Today’s Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind explores the deep, spiritual thirst that only God can quench. Whether we are in a literal desert or a spiritual one, the cry of the heart remains the same: a longing for the presence of the Living God. From the songs of the sons of Korah to personal reflections on the heat of the California desert, we are reminded that God remains faithful even when we feel we have drifted far from His refreshing streams.

Today’s reading is Psalms 42–44.

Episode Summary

The chapters begin with Book 2 of the Psalms. Psalm 42 and 43, often seen as a single unit, express the soul’s intense longing for God amidst discouragement and the taunts of enemies. The psalmist repeatedly asks, “Why am I so sad?” before choosing to put hope in God once again. Psalm 44 shifts to a national perspective, where the people of Israel recount God’s past victories but struggle with their current state of defeat and perceived rejection. Despite their suffering, they maintain their integrity and appeal to God’s faithful love for rescue.

Entities: Sons of Korah, Elohim, Jehovah, Mount Hermon, Jordan River, King Henry VIII, Edward VI, John G. Patton, New Hebrides, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, Grandma Noani

Why this episode matters: These chapters provide a powerful vocabulary for those experiencing “desert seasons” in their faith. They demonstrate that it is okay to be honest with God about our sadness and confusion. Ultimately, these psalms teach us that hope is not a feeling, but a decision to trust in God’s character even when our circumstances feel like a parched wasteland.

Commentary Highlights

In Psalm 42, the image of the deer longing for streams of water is more than just poetry. Steve shares his experience as an apprentice carpenter in Palm Desert, where 110 degree temperatures made physical thirst a constant companion. This physical reality mirrors the spiritual thirst we feel when we drift away from God. It is a reminder that while we may wander, God does not move. He is the Living Water always ready to receive us.

We also look at the power of persistent prayer for those we love. Steve recounts praying for his father for thirty years before he surrendered to the Lord, and shares his current heart for his son who has turned toward atheism. The message is clear: never stop praying. As long as there is breath, there is the opportunity for a loved one to be driven by their spiritual thirst back into the refreshing arms of a loving God.

Verse of the Day

Psalms 42:1–2 — “Like a deer drinking from a stream, I reach out to you, my God. My soul thirsts for the living God. When can I go to meet with Him?”

Read it in context here: Psalms 42 (BibleGateway)

On This Date in Church History

January 29th — Legacies of Reformation and Mission

In 1547, King Henry VIII died, leading to the reign of Edward VI and a surge in the Protestant Reformation that brought the Bible to the English people in their own language. In 1907, we remember John G. Patton, a Scottish missionary to the New Hebrides. Patton famously stood his ground among cannibals, declaring that he did not fear being eaten because he would be resurrected just the same, eventually seeing thousands turn to faith.

Reference: John G. Patton (Wikipedia)

International Lego Day

Today is International Lego Day! While we’ve all experienced the unique pain of stepping on a stray plastic brick, these toys are a reminder of the joy of building. As we grow in our faith, let’s remember that God is still “under construction” in our lives, building us into the people He created us to be.

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For more Scripture and grace, check out Verses We Missed.

Scripture Reading Link

Follow today’s reading here: Psalms 42–44 (BibleGateway)