Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 42 – Longing for God Amid Distresses

Psalm 42 – Longing for God Amid Distresses

(Written by Stephen Lew)

In troubling times, it can be difficult to sense the Lord’s presence with us. The circumstances seem to overwhelm what we know to be true that turning to God’s unfailing love will be a place of refuge and escape.

When the psalmist was in despair, his soul yearned for God. He knew that even in raging adversity, he could count on the Lord’s unfailing love being poured out on him. It was a truth that gave him hope and the ability to praise the Lord, even during his trouble.

This is a recurring theme in the psalms, many of which begin with images of despair and hopelessness but end with affirmations of God’s unfailing love. God is often described as a rock, a stronghold, or a refuge in times of trouble. 

The Lord is sovereign over all events and uses them to achieve His purposes for the world and for each believer’s life. As circumstances unfold, we should look for God’s hand at work. The indwelling Holy Spirit manifests Himself by recalling scriptures that offer encouragement or direction. Then, as we are reminded about His love and faithfulness, we find hope and a sure foundation upon which to rest. He is also our Comforter, who comes alongside during trials and helps us to endure.

Adversity pushes us to draw near to God with yearning not just for deliverance but for intimacy with our loving Father. When you are overwhelmed by difficulty and despair or are broken-hearted or crushed in spirit, remember that God is close by.

 

Let’s Read Psalm 42

For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,

    so my soul pants for you, my God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

    When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food

    day and night,

while people say to me all day long,

    “Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember

    as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go to the house of God

    under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise

    among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

    Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

    for I will yet praise him,

    my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;

    therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep

    in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

    have swept over me.

8 By day the Lord directs his love,

    at night his song is with me—

    a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,

    “Why have you forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,

    oppressed by the enemy?”

10 My bones suffer mortal agony

    as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,

    “Where is your God?”

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

    Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

    for I will yet praise him,

    my Savior and my God.

 

Let’s Pray

Loving Heavenly Father, I realised that times are hard, and sometimes the pressures of life seem to encompass me on every side. But I praise Your awesome name that You are my shelter from the heat, and You alone revive my weary soul. I need the living water from on high to refresh my heart and sustain my spirit. I pray that You would develop in me a deeper and more personal thirst for You with each passing day. Keep me and those I love under the shadow of Your wing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.