I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah1
Differing from animals we are created in the image of God.2 We are body, soul, and spirit. Surely, our body will one day see decay. Since man chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we shall surely die.3 We are easily lured by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.4 Likewise, our spirit is dead in our trespasses and sins.5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.6 Scripture confirms that we are given a new heart and a new spirit. In Christ, the Spirit now takes residence in our new heart. God has removed our heart of stone and given us a heart of flesh, and causes us to walk in his statutes and obey his rules.7
Now, the flesh and the Spirit are at odds with each other.8 Thus, there is a constant need for purging of the flesh from sin—a dying to self. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.9
The soul seats the mind, emotions, and will. The soul is not automatically renewed at salvation; a sanctification has to take place. Let us consider what the Psalter and the Apostles teach.
1. The mind. The mind is stayed on course as it remembers God’s goodness. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.10 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.11 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.12
2. The emotions. The emotions may be swayed in any direction. Our biases are dictated by emotions. Hurts are hard to forget. We need to be healed from them. Daily we have to bask in God’s love. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.13
3. The will. We can command our will; provided, we have been trained to do so. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!14 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.15
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?16
Notes:
1. Psalm 143:6
2. Genesis 1:27
3. Genesis 2:15-17
4. 1 John 2:16
5. Ephesians 2:1-10
6. Ephesians 2:4-5
7. Ezekiel 36:26-27
8. Galatians 5:17
9. Ephesians 2:8-9
10. Psalm 143:5
11. Romans 12:1-2
12. John 17:17
13. Psalm 143:8
14. Psalm 143:10
15. Hebrews 12:11
16. Psalm 42:1-2
