Psalms 42–89
PSALM42
For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons ofKorah.
1 As a forest creature searches for water, so my soul longs for you, God. 2 My soul thirsts for your living water, for your holy streams. Where can I find them? 3 I weep many tears because I yearn for you; people ask me why I search so hard to find you. 4 Even though I go into your holy house there are no shouts of joy there for me. 5 I fear for my soul for it exists in the depths of my despair. My God, I reach for the hope that I have found with you before. 6 My thoughts carry me to places I do not want to frequent and I long for a higher state of being – I want only to open my consciousness to your truth. 7 In my weakness I have strayed from you; I am in a state of unrest. 8 By day I feel more secure, at night I listen carefully for your song of praise – I raise up my prayers to you. 9 You have been my foundation, but I fear that I have forgotten how to find you in the silence. 10 My whole body aches; I can hope, and pray for release from this suffering. 11 Why is my consciousness at such a low ebb? Why am I so uneasy? Although I falter I will keep seeking communion with myGod.
The writer of Psalm 42 reminds me that I have had times when I have felt disconnected from God, and disconsolate. I have asked myself if God has somehow disappeared. Thinking back on these occasions I know that they are characterized by a fear of abandonment on my part. This promptly paralyzes my spirit and closes my God eyes. This is when I most need to trust that God does not turn away from me. God lives within and when I emerge from my state of doubt, this assurance is immediately available to me. I remember that my participation in this creation dance was never guaranteed to be without its difficult steps and mysterious rhythms. There will be setbacks, and I will feel discouragement. How I use these inevitable happenings largely determines the outcome. I am in a much stronger position when I work with God, not againstGod.
Psalm 42 is also a precious prayer in my life. I read it at the Homegoing Celeb
