Psalm 42 - Longing for God or (Honest prayer from a discouraged saint)

The Psalm starts with a very powerful image of a deer longing for flowing streams, seeking out water.  In the same way, the words in this Psalm reflect a person longing for God.  Our spiritual need is for  God and His supplies.  It is good for us to be like the deer; to be longing for and seeking out God.

The Psalm reflects a lot of distress:-

• why, my soul, are you so dejected?

• why, are you in such turmoil?

• my tears have been my food day and night!

In v 11, we read about being depressed and walking about in sorrow.  The title of this Psalm is 'honest prayer of a discouraged saint'.  These are very honest words.  The reality is we do have times like this, but the reality also is that in God we do not have to stay this way and there is a way through.  I have heard many testimonies of people who have told of experiencing a peace in God despite what circumstances they were facing.  God's words promised us that 'in this world we will have trouble', but His word also promises that He will never leave or forsake us.

John 16 v 33 "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  You will have suffering in this world.  Be encouraged, I have conquered the world"

Duet 31 v 6 "Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of hem.  For the Lord you God is the one who will goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you"

Put our hope in God and still praise Him - v 5.

In v 7 we find a more powerful and poetic description of despair.  The waterfalls plunge down into a deep pool.  The writer is deeply burned under the misery, under and breakers and billows.  Yet, even in this despair is hope!  The psalmist is in deep despair - but God.

The depths of God answering the depths of human need.  Whatever depths there are in God, they appeal to corresponding depth in us.  Whatever the depths of sorrow, desire, or necessity, there are correspondences in God from which full supplies may be obtained.  (Meyer)

Psalm 139 v 7-12

"Where can I go to escape your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.  If I live  at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there you hand will lead me;  your right hand will hold on to me; If I say, "surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night" - even the darkness is not dark to you.  The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to you"

Wherever we are, whatever is happening - God sees us.

This Psalm declares that God WILL send His faithful love. by day and night.

Whatever despair or discouragement we may be under, we need to put our hope in God and still praise Him.

 

We then follow conveniently on to Psalm 43 - From Depression to a Procession of Praise.

This Psalm reads quite similar to Psalm 42.  In some ancient Hebrew manuscripts, these They Psalms are joined together as one Psalm.  They most likely are separate Psalms but linked by a common problem - spiritual depression!

We read a very familiar cry  here of someone pleading, crying out to God for His vindication.  Although the writer expressed being unjustly accursed and treated, it is all taken to the right place/person - God.

In v 2, there seems to be a conflict.  God is declared as a refuge, yet the writer feels rejected and walking about in sorrow.  This can be a test of our faith - trusting God as our refuge even when nothing seems to be happening or changing.  

Send your light and your truth.

We need God's light and truth.  Anything else is not going to lead us in any good way.  His light and truth brings us close to God, it brings us into His presence.

The Psalm describes God as 'my greatest joy'.

Put our hope in God.

 

 

 

 

Endnote:

CSB Bible - Holman Bibles

Enduring Word Commentary