“As the hart panteth after the water brooks”: a devotional on Psalm 42
A deer runs through dry country, searching for water. Its throat is parched, and it cannot rest until it finds a stream. That is the picture with which Psalm 42 begins: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” The writer is not describing a calm, settled faith. He is describing longing, almost desperation. For anyone who has felt far from God, the psalm offers words that are honest and a hope that does not pretend.
The writer's situation
The psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah, a family of temple musicians. The writer seems to be far from Jerusalem, perhaps in the north near “the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites” (verse 6). He remembers leading crowds to the house of God “with the voice of joy and praise” (verse 4), but now he cannot go.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” (verse 3). People around him mock his faith. His sorrow is constant, and he does not hide it.
Talking to his own soul
Twice the writer speaks to himself: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him” (verses 5 and 11). He does not deny his feelings, but he refuses to let them have the last word.
Deep calls to deep
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me” (verse 7). The image of overwhelming water is striking in a psalm that began with thirst. Too little water and too much both become pictures of distress. Yet even here: “The LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me” (verse 8). God’s love is present by day, and a song remains in the darkness.
For those who struggle
Many believers who face depression or grief have found comfort in Psalm 42. It shows that sorrow and faith can live in the same heart, and that crying out to God is itself an act of faith. Lord, when my soul is dry and my tears come day and night, help me to remember you. Teach me to speak to my own heart and say, “Hope thou in God.” Amen.
The psalm ends with the same question it asked earlier, and the same answer. The writer has not yet reached the water, but he has decided which way to walk.
