"...As the hart [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"
Psalms 42:1-2
In our verses for today, we see the beautiful illustration of the soul that is thirsty for God.
“…As the hart [deer] panteth after the water brooks,”
Picture a doe, fleeing for her life from the hunters. The dogs have continuously been baying in their search for her. There is no place to rest, there is no water to be found, for she is out of her usual woodland area, and she is running for her life. She pants, needing water and finding none, she wearily continues her run, and as she seeks a safe haven from the hunters, she desires a drink of fresh water to ease her dry panting throat.
Joel the prophet pictured a similar scene when he wrote,
“The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness,” (Joel 1:20).
Thirsty animals need water, and we need to be with God.
“So panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
The psalmist understood what it was to be without the ability to have his usual worship. Some writers believe this refers to a time when David was being chased and had no opportunity to go to his place of worship. He frantically missed having access to the place where he worshipped his God.
As David was in the wilderness during his son Absalom’s rebellion, he wrote,
“…O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary,” (Psalm 63:1-2).
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:”
Thirsting for Elohim, the “Strong One,” the “Creator.” Dear friend, what is it that you are thirsty for? God is the only one who can satisfy your thirst. Come, seek Him and His satisfaction for your soul.
“When shall I come and appear before God?
The psalmist wanted to know when he could be with his God. Believers, we have the privilege daily to meet with Him. Not only do we need Him always, but He calls us into His presence where we can find His help.
“Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).
Indeed, we are blessed!
As the Deer1
By Marty Nystrom
Verse 1
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
Chorus 1
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
Verse 2
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
Verse 3
I want You more than gold
Or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joygiver
And the apple of my eye
1. “As the Deer,” by Marty Nystrom. Copyright Status: © 1984 Universal Music–Brentwood-Benson Publishing (ASCAP).