I'm no theologian, but I would guess that when Jesus gasped out the words, "I thirst" as he neared complete exhaustion and death, he wasn't referring only to his physical need for water. I think this barely audible plea reflected his earlier cry, "My God, my God, why have You deserted me?"
Every fiber of Jesus' spirit yearned to re-connect with his Father, with the peace and glory he had always known before his sojourn on earth. I can't claim the intense desperation of Jesus in that moment but like David before him (who's words Jesus had quoted), our humanity often cries out to our Father to "break down those walls of heaven and touch me once again."
This gentle, searching song echoes that plea with the passionate sound of artists like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong or Fernando Ortega.
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Copyright David A. Hebert / A Bear & His Music (BMI) 2009-2012 | CAE/IPI# 231787953
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"This is a brilliant song... I was anointed when I heard this track; touched and blessed. Beautiful song.”
"There is something genuine about the lyrics... you feel like the vocalist actually lived this story. The melody is enticing... This could be one of the greats right here.”
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"The lyrics are truly touching. The words of this song could save someone's life. The hook is perfect with the heart warming lyrics. This track has a great impact on listeners.”
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"Its a song that could help someone going through a rough time. Its that constant reminder God is near. No matter how hard life is, listen to songs that speak to your soul."
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THE DEMO:
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Arranged and performed by Danny Mitchell.
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THE STORY:
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I wrote this song in the late 1990s at a time when my faith was struggling. I've found that such times, though disappointing, even depressing, can become some of the most refreshing and profound times (much like the most beautiful and healthy flowers need plenty of dirt and rain and mud to grow and flourish, I suppose.)
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I can't really recall any more specifics than that, other than to say that, as I often do, I was desperately reaching for God whose silence was, is, especially devastating. Doesn't it seem that when we feel we need God the most, He runs away and hides? We shouldn't be surprised, though, since the Bible tells us that He "rewards those that diligently seek Him" (Heb 11:6). But in those times even that incredible promise isn't enough to keep hope active and growing. So we have to lean, we have to trust, until we find a breakthrough moment.
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The fact that I'm still singing this song these many years later is, to me, a reminder that in our most anxious times -- when we're sure that not only others but God Himself has abandoned us -- He's building a confi-dence inside us that can sustain us for the long haul.
I may not welcome those times but I've learned to be glad, usually only in retrospect, that they come.
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Dave
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