Lent 3 — Longing for God – Hope at Easter
A short reflection on Psalm 63:1-8
In Psalm 63, David pours out his deep longing for God. He’s in the wilderness, a harsh and empty place, yet his greatest thirst isn’t for water – it’s for God’s presence. “My soul thirsts for you,” he says, “my whole being longs for you.” Many of us know this feeling: when life feels dry and empty, we hunger for connection, meaning, and hope.
At Easter, we remember the disciples also experienced a kind of wilderness. After Jesus’ death, they felt lost and alone, unsure of what was coming next. Yet soon after, they were filled with a profound sense that Jesus was still with them. They felt his presence so strongly, it transformed them. Despair turned into courage, and sorrow into joy. They knew, in the depth of their being, that love and life were stronger than death.
The resurrection story speaks of new life, not only in some future sense, but here and now. Like David in Psalm 63, the disciples’ souls were satisfied as with a rich feast. Their experience of the risen Christ brought them back to life on the inside. It’s a reminder for us that even in dry times, we can encounter God’s presence – often in surprising ways.
At Easter, we celebrate the renewal of life. We lift our hands in praise, as David did, and open our hearts to the living Spirit of Christ. His love continues to bring hope, courage, and joy to all who seek him.
Ngā mihi
Philip
23 March 2025