Psalm 42 | Resources
Discussion Questions
Summarize this psalm as a group.
What do you tend to long for when you feel overwhelmed?
What is the psalmist’s advice during trial?
What does it look like to hope in God?
What has God given us to help us remember His work and presence in our lives?
Are you hoping in God today, or are you overwhelmed by worry, fear, or sadness?
Memory Verse
“Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 (CSB)
Devotional
Several years ago, I found myself trudging through the woods at 5am headed toward a favorite turkey hunting site. The familiar path led me past a small pond. The closer I got to the pond, the stronger the stench of death became. I figured a cow was decomposing near the water and I would investigate after my hunt. With a turkey hanging over my shoulder, I made my way out of the woods past the pond where I found the source of the stench. Three deer were laying on the bank decomposing. I called the farmer from my truck and told him what I found. He told me that “bluetongue disease” was decimating the deer population in the area. Apparently, when the deer first get the disease, they seek out water. The thinking is that they try to wash the disease out of their system by drinking water. They know something isn’t right, so they seek out water as their only solution. It reminded me of Psalm 42 where the writer penned, “As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you, my God.” Often missed in this passage is the connection between the results of sin and the desire for God. The song writer writes, “My tears have been my food day and night.” “My soul is downcast within me.” His solution is to put his hope in God. There are at least two lessons from this passage. First, when life gets us down our first response should be to lean into our creator. Some lean into alcohol. Some seek medication. Some lean into a counselor. Some escape to pornography or a golf game. Some distance themselves. But like a deer and like the psalmist, the only solution through our problems toward life is to put our hope in our Creator, our Savior and God (vs. 11). The second lesson is more preventative in nature. Why do we wait until problems arise to lean into God? It seems that if we live our lives desiring God, just as a deer desires streams of water when they are sick, it would make those disastrous times less dramatic. Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me hope in a world that is so filled with pain and heartache. Like the psalmist, there are times when I don’t feel you close. At times, I feel so downcast and yet, I am determined to trust in you and in you alone because you are my creator and savior. You know me better than anyone else and I trust that you have my best interest at heart. Help me to lean into you and desire you more and more every day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen!