Psalm 42 pictures the agony produced by a drought. Let your mind imagine a landscape with parched land, wilting trees, and dazed and dying creatures. This is the condition of the Psalmist. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God” (1). His soul thirsts for the living God and he desires to come before him in worship (2). The Psalmist is vulnerable because he has declared his dependence upon the Lord and therefore His detractors cry out “Where is your God?” (3).
The Psalmist knew that his need was refreshing from God. Yet, he recognized that the experience of stirring worship in the community of fellow-believers was a means of encountering holy God. “These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival” (4).
The Psalmist twice confesses that his soul is in despair (5, 6). He has lost his footing and wave after wave seem to be submerging him (7). He is oppressed by his enemy and particularly their reviling taunt—“Where is your God?” (10). It is his memory of worship and the character of God which enables him to express hope and gratitude. “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (11).
It is possible that recent events in our nation and in your life have caused you to feel like the Psalmist this holiday season. Your soul is in despair and wave after wave is submerging you in despair. What should you do? Remember! Rehearse your blessings! Join others in worship this holiday season! There is strength in a multitude of worshipers.
Prayer: I thank you for the community of believers where I can declare my thanksgiving. Amen