Psalm Forty-Two: Craving the Presence of God

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Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
 
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
 
My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
 
These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock,
    “Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
    oppressed by the enemy?”
 
My bones suffer mortal agony
    as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?” 
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.
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This Psalm starts in the most beautiful way, but it also convicts my heart a little bit. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God". Honestly, how often do we wake up with our souls panting, needing, the Lord? "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" When I read this, I want this! I want to be absolutely craving the Lord. The thing is, I am! That feeling we have of dissatisfaction, of needing more, or that emptiness in the pit of our hearts, is all pointing toward Jesus! Whether we recognize it or not, our souls really are panting for the Lord. Our souls are begging to come into his presence. When you are starting to feel that ache in your heart, when you feel the anxiety and sadness build, go toward Jesus. Press into his presence and watch as you find his peace and joy there. The struggles around you may not cease, but your heart will find peace!

What stood out to you in this Psalm?
How are you doing today? Is your soul craving the presence of God? 



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