PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:2)
The Psalm writer is being challenged for his belief in God.
All day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” (v.3)
And this is causing him to struggle and doubt.
He is desperate for God to reveal Himself.
He is longing for God like a thirsty deer for water… am I?
But he is not only desperate, he is determined!
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (v.11)
He is giving himself a talking to: ‘STOP IT! Don’t let hopelessness beat you!’
The Lord knows my heart, He knows the depth of my desperation and determination.
And I know my heart too, and I think I need to give myself a talking to as well!
As a Jesus follower, I feel deep within my need for Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
Without Him I’m doomed, I can’t free myself from the penalty and power of sin.
And I need His presence and guidance to make it through each moment, each day.
The Lord is using this Psalm to encourage me: keep on reaching out for me!
PRAYER
Lord, I will not give in, I will not let go, I will not let doubt win. I am desperate, yet determined! I put my hope in You!
Sometimes I need to be really thirsty to be put straight – to realize where the living water is. Sometimes as a society we put hope in other things, in technology to save us from the trouble we are in i.e., a vaccine, a treatment – but really our hope is in the Lord- my hope is in Him – he will keep me safe – even if I have to endure and infection or sickness that can depress me! As the Psalmist challenges us – I put my hope in the Lord!
At all times God is with me. I need His presence always. He is faithful. And I?
When I focus on Him and what He has done for me I see His faithfulness. My hope is in Him. I need that living water. My desire is to serve Him at all times. And I need to talk with my Saviour in my joys and sorrows. God will take care of me in my weakness and forgives my sins Draw me closer.
Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I’m Your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
‘Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You
You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know You are near