Ephraim Sekeleti - Nafsi yangu yakutamani - kama ayala Lyrics
Lyrics
Nafsi yangu yakutamani,
Roho yangu yaona kiu,
Kama ayala, atafutavyo maji ya mto,
Baba, nafsi yangu yakutamani.
Nafsi yangu yakutamani,
Roho yangu yaona kiu,
Kama ayala, atafutavyo maji ya mto,
Baba, nafsi yangu yakutamani.
Nijaze, na Roho Mtakatifu;
Niweke, karibu nawe
Nirejeshee, furaha ya wokovu;
Baba, nafsi yangu yakutamani.
Nijaze, na Roho Mtakatifu;
Niweke, karibu nawe
Nirejeshee, furaha ya wokovu;
Baba, nafsi yangu yakutamani.
Sung By SIMON DAMIANO
English
As the dear pants for the waters
so my soul longs after you.
Video
Nafsi Yangu-SIMON DAMIANO
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on December 27, 2016, Ephraim Sekeleti’s "Nafsi yangu yakutamani - kama ayala" stands as a profound testament to the human spirit's deepest yearning for the Divine. This Swahili worship anthem immediately transports the soul to a place of honest vulnerability and fervent pursuit, drawing its core inspiration directly from one of Scripture’s most poignant expressions of spiritual hunger.
The narrative behind the song is not complex, but deeply resonant, echoing the psalmist's timeless cry. Its central theme is a vivid portrayal of spiritual thirst, directly translating the ancient words of Psalm 42:1, which declares, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This powerful imagery forms the foundation, illustrating a desperate, instinctive need for God that surpasses all other desires. The song paints a picture of a soul parched and longing, using the analogy of a deer in search of life-sustaining water. This is more than just a fleeting desire; it is an essential, life-or-death pursuit, revealing a profound recognition that true fulfillment can only be found in the presence of the Creator.
The song's profound message unfolds with a simple yet powerful confession: "Nafsi yangu yakutamani, Roho yangu yaona kiu," which translates to "My soul longs for you, my spirit is thirsty." This initial declaration sets a tone of complete dependence and a raw openness before God. This spiritual thirst is not a sign of weakness but a healthy indication of a soul aware of its deepest need, much like Psalm 63:1 where David cries out, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." It speaks to a universal human experience: an innate emptiness that the world cannot fill, a void that only the living water of God’s presence can satisfy, as promised in John 4:14, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst." This longing is a divine imprint, stirring believers to seek a deeper relationship, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and peace, the very wellspring mentioned in Revelation 21:6.
As the song progresses, the spiritual longing transforms into an earnest petition for divine intervention and renewal. The lines "Nijaze, na Roho Mtakatifu; Niweke, karibu nawe" translate to "Fill me with the Holy Spirit; Keep me close to you." This prayer for an infilling of the Holy Spirit reflects a desire for empowerment, guidance, and intimacy. It’s an understanding that true spiritual vitality comes not from human effort, but from the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:18 to "be filled with the Spirit." This request to be kept close to God speaks to a yearning for communion and constant fellowship, aligning with James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." It underscores the belief that proximity to God is the ultimate refuge and source of strength, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 73:28, "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge."
The concluding request, "Nirejeshee, furaha ya wokovu," meaning "Restore to me the joy of your salvation," brings a profound layer of reflection and hope. This isn’t a plea for initial salvation, but for the restoration of the vibrant joy that accompanies a saved life, implying that this joy can sometimes wane amidst life's challenges or spiritual dryness. It’s a humble acknowledgment of human fallibility and the need for constant spiritual refreshing, reminiscent of David's prayer in Psalm 51:12 after his sin, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." The song ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual life is a journey of continuous seeking, repenting, and receiving. It encourages every individual to pursue a relationship with God marked by insatiable thirst, a constant desire for His Spirit, and an unwavering hope in the restorative power of His salvation, ultimately leading to the overflowing joy that Romans 15:13 promises: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Through its simple yet profound lyrics, Ephraim Sekeleti's song inspires a deeper walk with God, inviting all to experience the profound satisfaction of a soul fully engaged in pursuing its Creator.