Weekly Update: July 16, 2025
Word from the Pastor:
A Worship-Shaped Longing
The other night, Sarah and I were out with friends, sharing some wine and talking about worship. One friend shared his definition of worship by quoting the opening line of Psalm 42: “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”
I wanted to use the space of the Newsletter to follow up with our Sunday sermon on Worship and music. Thinking about this Psalm struck me. Not because this verse tells us what worship is—but because it reveals what a life formed by worship looks like. This isn’t a prescriptive psalm. It doesn’t give us a definition or formula. Instead, it offers a window into the soul of someone whose life is steeped in longing for God, a person who has come to realization that the only thing that actually matters on this earth is being with God. Psalm 42 is raw. It’s honest. It’s what Walter Brueggemann calls a psalm of disorientation—words shaped by grief, exile, betrayal, and the absence of God. It’s poetry trying to make sense of pain. And you can’t understand this psalm apart from its repeated refrain, found three times (42:5, 42:11, and 43:5 - Psalm 42/43 were originally one long Psalm):
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”
This isn’t a calm, devotional verse. It’s a cry. It’s self-talk from someone who’s experienced deep trauma—likely exile. In that context, the psalmist asks his soul: “Why are you downcast?” Honestly? I’d want to answer that question with: “Why wouldn’t I be downcast? My nation is in ruins. My family is scattered. God feels absent.” But that’s not what the poet does. Instead, he reminds himself—remembers—who God is and what God has done. Even though he can’t see it right now, he clings to hope that God’s kingdom will break through. And in the face of despair, he resists the lie that loss defines his story [part of your notes on Sunday]. When the world says, “You should be crushed,” he says, “Still… my soul longs for you, O God.” That’s what worship does. Not just in the sanctuary, but over time. It forms us into people who know what to long for when everything else is stripped away - Not control. Not comfort. Not security or certainty. But God.
“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”
Worship may not always feel like much in the moment. But over time, it shapes our hearts to ache for what is true, even when nothing around us reflects it.
That’s the gift—and the power—of worship. Not that it gives us answers, but that it shapes our longing.
Matthew
Cell 512-787-2429 | Email mdh1199@gmail.com
Instagram @liveordinarywell | Facebook Matthew Hansen
Website
Here's a link to our church website. Be sure to check it for more information, podcasts, donation link and more.
https://www.driftwoodcommunitychurch.org
Upcoming Events
First Fridays - Friday, August 1, 5:00 pm
Matthew and Sarah will be at Hays City Store from 5-6:30 pm. and everyone is welcome to join. There's no set agenda—just a time to connect and enjoy good company.
Volunteers Needed
Our church needs your support! If God is calling you and you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, please complete this form or contact one of the trustees or pastor. Thank you! https://forms.gle/K2AFU9b9fbeoiZyM7
The Board has a working list of volunteer needs relative to the church service and maintenance items at the church. Be on the lookout for this list and be in prayer about how you can help.
If you have a gift of organizing and/or managing, please consider the Hospitality Coordinator volunteer position. This is an organizational role responsible for recruiting and assigning volunteers for the Sunday Social Hour, 5th Sunday luncheon, holiday meals and general business meeting snacks, etc. Duties of the volunteers that you recruit would include set-up, clean-up, and keeping the kitchen stocked with supplies (coffee, sugar, creamer, paper goods, condiments, juice).
Social Hour: Sundays at 10:00 am
Our social hour is a great way to get to know each other over breakfast tacos! We meet in the Education Building at 10:00 a.m. before the 11:00 a.m. church service.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands Pantry
The 2nd Sunday of each month is designated for pantry donations. Please place your nonparishable food items in the blue barrel in the Education Building.
Concerns:
All the flood victims in Central Texas
Caregivers of the hurting
Those grieving lost loved ones
Those suffering with illnesses
Those battling cancer
Israel
Praises:
God’s healing, compassion, and mercy
Our church volunteers
Our church's beautiful new sign
Families, friends and neighbors!
Beautiful tree work on church grounds
Our Nation
Gatherings & Neighbors
Family Reunions
Events where we can be "church" to others
We are sorry if we have missed any prayer needs. Please let us know by sending us an email. Your updates to the prayer list are appreciated.
Our trustees are Shelby Eckols, Craig Glanville, Darrell Thomas, Ben Roberts and David Younger.
God's blessings and love to you,
Driftwood Community Church