“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1
Psalm 42 begins with vivid declaration of the author’s want and need for God. Just as the tired and thirsty deer needs cool, flowing streams to quench its thirst, I too need God to quench the longing and desires of my heart.
“My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42: 6b-8
When going through struggles or trials, I can turn to God for help. Even when I don’t see an end and my soul is cast down; I can remember and call on the Lord for strength and help. He will be with me and help me.
David shows trust in God when he finds Saul asleep on the ground. Saul had been hunting David with intent to kill him and had driven David from place to place. David had an opportunity to take matters into his own hands and kill his hunter but instead refused saying:
“As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 1 Samuel 26: 10b-11a
David probably was inches away from the man who had been trying to kill him without cause but refuse to strike him, instead leaving vengeance for the Lord. David lets the LORD defend him.
“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!” Psalm 43:1
Just as David trusted in God and not himself to help and defend him I too need to trust God and wait on him.
“Send out your light and your truth; Let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God” Psalm 43: 3-4
Dear God, please guide me and help me. Please help me lead the life you have called me to lead (1 Corinthians 7:17). Please defend me and satisfy me like only You can. Amen.
Sixty-six books in a year 