Recap:

Last week we talked about cathedral thinking, the idea that our faith isn’t just about us. We’re standing here today because someone before us held the faith, and tomorrow someone else will stand because of us. That’s legacy. And if we’re going to leave a legacy, it means we’ve got to be hungry and thirsty for God.

So let’s lean in. If you believe God still speaks today, lift your hand right now. Come on. That’s our sign of faith. Father, you see these hands. Speak to us. Move in us. Let us not just hear your Word, let us do it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Turn to your neighbor and say, “I’m not just a hearer.” Turn to your other neighbor and say, “I’m a doer, too.”

Psalm 42 sets the stage for us. Verse 1, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.” Think about that. A deer panting, desperate, searching for water to survive. That’s the picture. That’s how we’re meant to long for God.

When I was ten, I thought satisfaction was a 32-oz Big Gulp from Quick Trip, every flavor mixed together. Pure sugar, pure chaos. Later in life, my tastes changed. I hated Lacroix at first, thought it was gross. But little by little, it became my go-to.

Spiritually, the same thing happened. I used to chase all the world’s flavors, money, power, approval, pleasure. But now? Now I’ve learned that the only thing that truly satisfies is the living water of Jesus. The question is: what are you thirsty for?

The psalmist wrote this in exile, home destroyed, temple gone, enemies mocking. He remembers the old days of joy and worship, but now he’s crushed with despair. And then he does something powerful, he talks to his soul: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.”

Church, that’s the word for us. Some of you are depressed. Some of you are angry. Some of you are scrolling your way into despair. You’ve been drinking from the wrong fountain. And you’ve been listening to yourself instead of preaching to yourself.

Preach to your soul: God is for me, not against me. His grace is sufficient. His goodness is running after me. Stop letting the world set your appetite, start preaching God’s promises until your soul believes it.

Here are three practical things this week:

  1. Give thanks daily. One thing. Write it down. Say it out loud. Gratitude shifts your appetite.
  2. Wait on God. Not passive waiting, fast, pray, lean in. Even one meal this week. Say, “God, I’m hungrier for You than for anything else.”
  3. Preach to yourself. Be your own best preacher. Remind your soul: “I’m not staying down. My God reigns. Jesus has overcome the world.”

Corrie Ten Boom put it this way: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Church, we may be living in exile, but this isn’t our home. We’re a colony of heaven in a country of death. We’ve got living water that satisfies, and His name is Jesus.

Group Questions:

Icebreakers

  1. What’s your go-to drink right now? (Coffee, soda, water, sparkling water?) Has it changed over the years?
  2. As a kid, what was your “Big Gulp” moment — something you thought was the ultimate satisfaction back then?
  3. If you had to describe your current “thirst” in life with one word, what would it be?

Scripture Reflection

Read Psalm 42:1–5 together.
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God…”

Discussion Questions

  1. The psalmist describes being desperate for God like a deer panting for water. How does that picture challenge or encourage you in your current walk with God?
  2. In the sermon, David shared how tastes shift (from Big Gulps to Lacroix). Spiritually, what are some “flavors” you used to chase that no longer satisfy you?
  3. The psalmist doesn’t hide his discouragement but instead talks to his soul. How do you usually handle seasons of discouragement — do you tend to listen to yourself or preach to yourself?
  4. Which lies or “wrong fountains” (approval, power, distraction, etc.) are easy for you to drink from?
  5. What promises of God have been most helpful for you to “preach to your soul”?

Application

  1. This week’s challenges were:
    • Give thanks daily

    • Wait on God (fast, pray, lean in)

    • Preach to yourself

  2. Which one feels most doable for you right now, and why?
  3. Corrie Ten Boom said: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

    • Where do you need to trust God with your future this week?