Psalm 42

I have been attempting to immerse myself in the Psalms today. I seem to be able to relate to David these days. The Psalms are a neat book. I think most people feel as though they "get" the Psalms. When we fail to have the words to speak to Jesus, David knows exactly what to say. I have often let the words of David speak to God on my behalf because that is all I could muster up at the time. The Psalms are intended to connect us with God. There is a rawness in the words and in the emotions that are both captivating and moving. There are some extreme emotions found in those pages.

Late last night when I thought I would never end up falling asleep, I was drawn to a Psalm 42 in particular. The words are powerful. There is extreme despair and yet at the same time there is beauty in the promises of hope and assurance that God is faithful.

As the deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”

My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!

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!

Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
from the land of Mount Mizar.
I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
But 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.

“O God my rock,” I cry,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I wander around in grief,
oppressed by my enemies?”
Their taunts break my bones.
They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”

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