Long for God
Psalm 42:1, 5, 8, 11
Farmland surrounds our neighborhood, and the deer graze in the soy fields. We enjoy watching them from a distance. On the top of the hill, there’s a small pond of water where the deer come to drink.
Sometimes, the water level is very low, and the deer cannot find water. They move to the next pond down the hill. Water is necessary to sustain their life and well-being.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.
Psalm 42:1 (NLT)
The psalmist cries out to the Lord, sharing his intense yearning for God’s presence. Just as a deer needs water for physical life, man desires God for spiritual life.
A few verses later, he opens his heart to the Lord. Two simple questions disclose his human struggle, yet he boldly expresses his hope in God.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:5 (NLT)
The author boldly states, “I will praise Him.” Why? Because He is my Savior. He is my God! Yes, discouragement and deep sadness are part of human plight. But during these times, a believer can confidently say, “I will hope … I will praise.”
Each day, the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night, I sing His songs, praying to God, who gives me life.
Psalm 42:8 (NLT)
In verse 8, the psalmist gives practical examples of praise. We taste His goodness and blessings day and night. God offers lovingkindness, care, and protection. He praises the Lord for His faithful, covenant-keeping love.
As the psalm closes, he repeats verse 5. Repetition is an essential tool to keep information fixed in our long-term memory. These words restate the present pain in his heart and soul. Then, he reminds himself to praise God and place his hope in the Lord.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:11 (NLT)
Head to Heart
When I feel discouraged or sad, I take time to reflect on God’s attributes. It’s a helpful discipline to turn my focus away from myself and to the Lord. Psalm 42 provides an example for us to follow.
Ask the question—Why? Then, follow with the psalmist’s faith filled statements. (Note: Memorize Psalm 42:5 and 42:8.)
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
Reflect on these Attributes of God:
Omniscient – He is all-knowing.
Infinite – He has no beginning, no end, and no limits.
Omnipresent – He is everywhere.
Faithful love – His love is limitless and sacrificial.
The Lord who Provides – He delivers us from sin, gives joy from the ashes of sorrow, and eternal citizenship in His Kingdom.
Good – He is kind, caring, and full of favor.
Righteous – He is just and holy. You can trust Him to always do what is right.
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