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(with Psalm 143:6): — Man has a threefold nature — physical, mental, and spiritual. The soul is the nobler part of man, and needs a nobler satisfaction than the body.

I. THE SOUL'S THIRST.

1. The soul comes from God, and its happiness is inseparably connected with obedience to the Divine will.

2. It is immortal.

3. It was made for God, in whom alone can it find true satisfaction.

4. It needs God, His smile, favour, and companionship.

5. How do men try to gratify this desire of the soul?

(1) Some force the body to do double work to make up for the lack of spiritual food. But the body resists excess. Man was made to be something nobler than a mere eating and drinking apparatus.

(2) Some with money — business. But the man who thought fifty pounds would give him complete satisfaction was unsatisfied with five hundred. Man should be better than a money-making machine, a slave to business.

(3) Some with worldly pleasure, drinking constantly at the wells of worldly bliss, which only increases their thirst. You may as well strive to catch the east wind as try to satisfy immortal hunger with sensual pleasures.

II. THE SOUL'S SATISFACTION.

1. The world can stimulate and excite, but cannot give rest.

2. How may the soul be satisfied?

(1) In being at peace with God (Romans 5:11).

(2) In mutual sympathy, reciprocal affection.

(3) In regeneration, sanctification, moral likeness to God.

(4) In doing God's will. "To do the will of Jesus: this is rest."(5) In constant communion with God. Through Christ we have access by the Spirit unto the Father.

(C. Cross.)

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KJV: For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

WEB: For he satisfies the longing soul. He fills the hungry soul with good.