Psalm 42
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4 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 with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.
5 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.
6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11 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.
DEVOTIONAL
I have been thirsty–long hikes, limited water, and miles before the next source. I read the map, looking for the blue water drops printed next to the known sources of water. According to the legend, this symbol means there is a reliable source of water. I can count on it! I am always so glad when we stop at that stream, pool, or lake. Water is cool, refreshing, renewing, and lifegiving.
Something happened after COVID that caused me to pant like the deer. There is a spiritual longing for the fulfillment of all that God has promised and a weariness that comes from living in the dryness of here and now. It seems that with every news cast, every article I read, and every podcast I listen to, the thirst grows and the longing for a better day intensifies.
In the scriptures today,(Psalm 42, Zechariah 8:1-17, Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34) there are these blue drops of water printed on the map of our lives–really the timeline of this world–that remind us that there is a fountain of cool refreshment ahead where we will find satisfaction and sustenance for our souls. This longing and desire for better days compels us to look to the future when Jesus returns. Healing is there. Fulfillment is present tense. Joy celebrates in the daylight. Dreams are new realities, and there is hope.
In Psalm 42:5 and 11 there is this declarative statement that is the proclamation of anticipated advent. “Hope in God!” This directs our attention from disappointment of today to our reality in Christ. In Psalm 42 we experience this divine hope in worship and the imminent presence of God. Our praise declares the fulness of days with Him. In all these passages there is an abundance that causes us to rejoice and know there is more. There is always more when God is in the house.
Deer pant for water because they have been on a long journey with little rest–in the heat of the day–often running from dangers and looking for safety and a place to find quiet. This Advent season is a reminder–a blue water-drop on the map of your life–reminding you there is a cool fountain up ahead with refreshment for all, including you.
Breathe deep. Drink long. Rest here. Messiah has come and is coming again.
Author: Virgil Askren
Other Scriptures for today:
- Zechariah 8:1-17
- Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34
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