Thirsty Deer

O. T. #1231  "Thirsty Deer"
June 27, 2018
Psalm 42
As the deer long for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 NLT
As the harta panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. KJV


LET IT GLOW

Not sure that I mentioned this earlier, but Psalms is divided into 5 books. This is the beginning of the second book, Psalms 42-72. We find prayers, worship, confessions, and encouragements.

It is noted that David is not the author of this psalm, but the sons of Korah, who are Levitical family of singers in Israel, whom King David appointed.  They were priests who guarded the entrance of the Tabernacle. The writer was in the land beyond the Jordan near the mountain ridges of Mount Hermon. (verse 6) He yearns for the presence of God and His sanctuary in Jerusalem.

Here we read of a thirst for God; meditation on God's kindness and love when one is lonely or depressed. Through all of that, the writer finds encouragement:

• putting his hope in God, praising Him again-his Savior and God;  (verse 5)
• recognizes that God pours His unfailing love upon him; (verse 8)
• sings unto God through the night and prays to God who gives life; (verse 8)
• places his hope in God, praising his Savior and God again. (verse 11)

Is our hope in God? Are we thanking Him for unfailing love that He gives us? Are we singing and praying nightly to our Savior?


LET IT GROW


I have seen a herd of deer leave the safety of the woods, come out into the open, and drink water from a pond. Their thirst was so great that they risked their very life to get it quenched. This writer compares his thirst for his living God in the same way. He longs for God, in spite of the discouragement in his life. Do we have such a deep thirsting in our soul-longing for communion with God?

What else can we glean from this psalm? The writer has:

• a thirst for the living God; (verse 2)
• a breaking heart that remembers walking among worshipers of God, leading a procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks in the celebration; (verse 4)
• deep discouragement; (verse 6)
• nightly sings to God and praying to the One who gives him life; (verse 8)
• declares God is his rock; (verse 9)
• discouragement and sadness are in his heart; (verse 11)

Surely we know of a person down and out like this writer. We can share our hope in Jesus with them.
Can we declare God is our Rock?
A rock is a fortress, stronghold in Hebrew.

Do we go to God when we are troubled, with a breaking heart, discouraged and sad? Sounds like the author did. He sang praises to God and prayed. Should we apply his example? Read Romans 5:3-5.

LET IT GO

Hope in God's unfailing love.
Sing praises to Jesus.
Continue to pray.
Believe in His, the God of miracles.
Hunger for God's presence.