What do your thirst or hunger for? In Psalm 42 the psalmist states the deep thirst he has for God, like that of ‘a deer panting for water,’ verse 1.
Do I have that same ongoing desire and need to meet with the Lord as this psalmist?I admit I have been struggling in this area recently. What about you? Do you have this same deep longing for God – that you simply couldn’t imagine life without Him? That you can’t wait to be in His presence? God certainly convicted me this hasn’t been my response of late.
The psalmist recognizes his God is a loving God, verse 2. Is God living in your life? Do you recognize his loving hand in the events of your life?
The psalmist knew rejection and ridicule because of his faith. Though the doubters upset him, they could not shake his faith in God. Even though his circumstances had changed and he was no longer a leader of the multitude, his faith in God remained constant, verses 3-4.
Though downcast and depressed, verses 5-7, he remembered God. He knew how desperately he needed to focus on the Lord rather than his problems. When life is hard, when bad news comes, when we are not well, it is easy to focus on the circumstances. Who or what do we focus on in difficulties and hard times?
Though down at the moment, the psalmist was certain of one thing – that he would again praise his Lord and Savior. This is true faith in God, for it depends not on the circumstances but the character of God. As far as the psalmist was concerned God was still God of his life, verse 8.
I have just received a letter from a friend who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yet she knows peace because she is not focused on the circumstances but on God. She is absolutely sure He will help her through this, He will not forsake her and will lead her to her ultimate reward.
Though his feelings fluctuate back to despair and feeling that God has abandoned him in verses 9-10, deep down the psalmist’s faith is still there. He just needs to remind himself of the character of God, verse 11.
Can I still testify to God’s goodness in the midst of difficulties? Can you?
Is my faith unshakeable and secure? Is yours?
Is my faith dependent not on feelings or circumstances but on God’s faithfulness and unchangeableness? What about yours?
Bible verses from The New American Standard Version
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