Sunday, 5 April 2020 Psalm 42
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God…” -Psalm 42:2
Psalm 42 begins with a very familiar verse, “As the deer pants for the water… so my soul pants for you.” These lines describe the Psalmist’s intense longing for God. His longing was as intense as that of a deer searching for water during a period of drought. Nothing can pacify a deer in search of water as she knows that only water can refresh her. In the same way, the Psalmist in the midst of adversity clearly knows that neither solution to his problem nor anything else in this world can pacify him other than God Himself. Scripture often describes our longing for God as a deep hunger or thirst. Hunger and thirst are basic drives in our bodies, and there is also a hunger and thirst of the soul. This fallen world, with its fallen people, can never satisfy our fallen selves other than our Creator. There is a longing in everybody that yearns beyond the natural for fulfilment – which can only be satiated by the Bread from heaven: “ I am the bread of life, he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35). The writer of this psalm is facing a tough time in his life and His only hope is God. The deep longing for God’s presence at a time when all hope is seemingly fading is expressed by him. He did not long for lesser things. His soul was restless in its desire to fellowship with God. His priority was none other than God. Our longings reveal the place God truly holds in our hearts and minds. “The Lord waits for you to come to Him, so that He can show you His love and compassion…Blessed are those who wait for His help.” (Isaiah 30:18) Today, are you travelling through a difficult path of your life? Do you feel dried up and weary? Perhaps it is time you go to the fountain of living waters. “Whoever believes in Me, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38). David understood this truth and hence even in the midst of trouble, he yearned for God. How can we have that same yearning? Seek the presence of God - Today many are busy with several activities that they find little time to be with God. Only when things in life go out of their expectation that they realize the need for a closer walk with God! Yes, it is truly an opportunity to seek God and grow in Him when we are in pain; not just try for quick relief, but earnestly seek “the Balm of Gilead.” Though the Psalmist was in pain, he realized that his real need was God. Jesus Christ came to this earth as a man to die for our sins and to restore our relationship back to God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..” (James 4:8) Seek to praise God - Praising Lord may sound difficult when we are sad and depressed but, praise is a command, not a feeling. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Ps.150:6). Praise drives the darkness away. As we deliberately direct our thoughts to God’s saving grace toward us in Christ, that He, by His mercy, drew us out of a horrible pit, our spirits will be lifted. "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:3). Even in the midst of adversity when you yearn for God, amazingly you will discover that He is a very present God who responds to you!
My Hope is: “….The LORD hears when I call to Him.” (Psalm 4:3)
Listen: ‘As the deer’