Reflection #1 on "Presence (My Heart's Desire)" by Newsboys  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 09/27/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Psalm 143:6-9

	From the album "Devotion" (2004) Read the song lyrics...

I long for Your presence
I long, Lord, I need Your touch

How desperate are you for the presence of God? In the song "Presence," the Newsboys sing that they long for His presence. David wrote those same words centuries ago:

"I stretch out my hand to You;
My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.
Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me in the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me. O Lord from my enemies;
I take refuge in You" (Psalm 143:6-9 NASB).

In this psalm David reveals that without the presence of the Lord, without His companionship, wisdom, guidance and lovingkindness David would be no better off than those in the pit or in hell. What makes hell "hellish" is the lack of the presence of God there. Those in that terrible place are forever separated from the light and the love of God.

But some of us live even in this world without the abiding presence of the Lord. We walk this earth alone, in a hellish existence. We were made for communion with the Creator of the universe. He is the only One that understands us and the circumstances that surround us. He is the only One that can guide us through the obstacles and traps of this life that try to rob us of the joy He died to give us.

This past week, I have found myself more than once crying out to the Lord the prayer that has been captured so well in this song. Lord, I need Your presence, Your direction. Lord, help me see the truth and act according to Your will not my own.

Are you desperate for His presence? Do you long for His wisdom and guidance? Do you understand your desperate need for His touch? Listen to the Newsboys reflect on the words of David. Let them stir up a passion for the presence of the Lord in your life. Cry out to Him and let Him fill your life with His Presence.

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 143:6-9