“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for You, O God.”
Psalm 42:1 (ESV)
Throughout the history of God with His own, we touch the passion and eternal longing for something that transcends our understanding. The “panting” within David’s heart found a corresponding cry in God’s creation.
He did not know of Paul’s writing in the book of Romans that would come centuries later, but his heart well knew the longing and groaning of God’s Spirit within.
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly…”
Romans 8:22-23
This inherent longing is present in those who have received “the firstfruit” of the Spirit. It is evidence of His Life pressing within. It is not something that can be taught; it is the result of a heart that has received the new nature of Christ and abides in its wonder.
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other…”
Galatians 5:17 (ESV)
Nature determines appetite. The longings and ruling inclinations of an individual are revealed by the character and integrity with which they conduct themselves.
A true Christian, having received the nature and the Person of Christ, is immediately cognizant of this warfare; the lower nature is in opposition to the heavenly. Religion seeks to minimize the conflict; truth intensifies it.
Christianity as a religion rests upon statements, while the living truth within seeks victory.
“For ye are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3
This is a profound truth and one that sets before us the positional truth from which we engage our warfare. If this magnificent scripture is taken out of context, it can produce a passive and indolent lifestyle. However, the apostle Paul infuses this truth with an exhortation as to our involvement.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,
and covetousness, which is idolatry…”
Colossians 3:5
I like to use the example of a sailboat that depends on the wind for propulsion. The sailboat is like our will, while the winds represent the forces that contend for mastery of the ship. The winds to which we yield will move the ship, whether that be to sin or to righteousness
“Do you not know that to whom you are presenting yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves to whom you are obeying— whether slaves of sin leading-to death, or slaves of obedience leading-to righteousness?”
Romans 6:16 (DLNT)
“But I say, Walk in the Spirit,
and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 (LITV)
“Heaven is endless longing, accompanied with an endless fruition–
a longing which is blessedness, a longing which is life.”
Alexander MacLaren
It is so encouraging to write something, then look for a quote that fits the subject at hand, and find someone who says it better while still echoing the same spirit of faith. We belong to a great heritage of faithful souls who loved God and followed Him with great hearts.
“My soul followeth hard after Thee…”
Psalm 63:8
Related Post: The Quest of Faith
The Longing of Life
(continued)
Brian Troxel
