This Sunday, Psalm 1 is the assigned psalm. However, back in September, I wrote a devotional from it, so today’s reflections come from Psalm 42. As I reread it this week, I thought of the worship song inspired by Psalm 42: “As the Deer.” While many of you have likely sung that song, here are the lyrics in case you need a reminder of what it says.

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

You're my friend and You are my brother
Even though you are a king
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything

I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy Giver
And the apple of my eye

You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

While the above song captures the hopeful spirit of Psalm 42, it overlooks the dark night of the soul that inspired the psalmist to compose this urgent prayer. Exiled in a foreign land far from Israel and God’s Holy Temple, the psalmist expresses his overwhelming distress about the troubles surrounding him (verses 3, 9b-10). He laments his keen sense of separation from God (verses 2 and 4) and voices his heartfelt desire to experience the glorious presence of God once more (verses 5 and 11).

Even if the song's lyrics do not fully express the profound pain that the psalmist has endured, they convey his confidence that God is with him, especially in challenging times. Keeping this hope in mind, we can also ask the psalmist's questions: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?”

What makes these questions safe to ask? They are safe because, even in difficult times, the Lord stands with us, never against us; nothing can separate us from His steadfast love. 

The Lord's peace on your weekend!

Joe