Letter to the Congregations: 7th December 2024

Our Dear Brethren,

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1).

When I read this verse or hear the hymn that was inspired by this “Contemplation of the sons of Korah,” I picture the animal, a deer, walking in the heat of the day. I imagine the deer has been running from a predator and has almost no energy left. It has followed a familiar path toward a shade-covered stream and as it walks as swift as it can, it is breathing swiftly, trying to cool itself off as its thirst grows stronger. When the deer finally arrives at the edge of the water it drinks as much as it can because it doesn’t know when it will receive another drink.

The psalm goes on to describe a hungry and thirsty individual who is alone and surrounded by enemies. Maybe even held in captivity, crying out to God for help but still imprisoned and in the midst of strangers. There is a line that, to me, encompasses this feeling of hopelessness, as the psalmist describes the questioning of those outside the faith who question the existence of God because they cannot see Him: “My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:3).

There are similar thoughts expressed, most likely inspired by hearing other people question the existence of God. “Why should the Gentiles say, ‘So where is their God?’” (Psalm 115:3). The psalmist also answers the question by reminding us that our God cannot be seen with our human eyes, unlike the gods of the peoples of this world. “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see…Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them” (verses 3-5, 8).

This reminds me of the time of year we are approaching when. Whether religious or not, many people in various parts of the world are setting up trees in their homes. These displays have no real relation to the Savior that they are supposed to celebrate. They are traditions of men that stem from practices specifically created to worship false deities. In reality God is not pleased with this false and misguided honor no matter how sincere the hearts of the people may be.

The psalmist in Psalm 115 reminds us that our God is “mindful of us” and desires to bless us. But these blessings are for those who fear Him. False worship of God and worship of false gods are not how we show our reverence and honor to our God. Do we, like the tired and thirst-driven deer from Psalm 42, thirst “for the living God” (see verse 2) and not some false representation of Him? As God is mindful of us, are we mindful of Him and of His word?

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe