• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for Dec. 28 focuses on Psalm 42:1-3, 6-8; 43:3-5.
Introduction
Psalms 42 and 43 compare our spiritual need for God to our constant physical need for water. One feature of biblical spirituality is the continual need for God and his lavish provision for those who seek him to satisfy their spiritual thirst. Water is emphasized in the Psalms (63:1; 65:9). Jesus promised streams of living water to flow from those who came to drink from him (John 7:37-39).
We long for God when we feel abandoned (Psalm 42:1-3)
Psalms 42 and 43 are one psalm in the Hebrew Bible. The division of the psalm into two parts originated with the ancient Greek translation of Psalms.
The author uses a simile in verse 1 to describe his spiritual thirst for God. The deer constantly forages on the open range for food and water. Adequate water is the more important need, because it is constant.
The action word in verse 1, “pant,” emphasizes strong desire based upon a constitutional need. “Pant” can convey water deprivation. Such is not the case here due to the presence of the word “streams.” The natural waterways of the open range in which the deer dwells are in view. The point is not that the deer has been displaced and searches for water, but that he is in his element.
His home must be well-watered because he has such a high requirement for water. His home is where water flows like streams. Likewise, the believer’s home is where God’s thirst-quenching presence flows like streams. A thorough-going believer realizes his or her tremendous, constant craving for God.
The word “God” is used four times in the first three verses and 20 times in Psalms 42 and 43. This is a remarkable device used by the author. “God,” or Elohim, is the Creator who originated the universe and rules over it. One specification of his creative design is the inclusion of need into the structure of his creatures. The deer need water. Humans also need water, but more importantly, they need God himself in their lives. So this psalm is an appeal to the Creator to fulfill the need he has built into his creatures.
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The simile of verse 1 is explained in verse 2. The author thirsts for the living God. The “thirst” is to meet with God, the unique privilege of humans among God’s earthly creation. The author is not asking for a special request in a dire circumstance. He has discovered his deep need for God. Thus as the deer ranges throughout his habitat, drinking water of infinite supply, the author desires constant access to the infinite God.
The tears of verse 3 refer to the acuteness with which the need for the Lord is felt. Verse 7 speaks of the depth of this need. Here the need is evidenced through the emotional response of weeping.
The tears of separation draw the taunt of the nonbelievers, “Where is your God?” They do not acknowledge their need for God and suppose the author’s God has abandoned him to his tears. Psalm 11:2-3 resoundingly answers this question. God reigns (Psalm 96:10: 99:1), judges (75:7) and hears the cry of those who desire him (Psalm 145:19).
When we experience depression, remember God is in our lives (Psalm 42:6-8)
The term “the Lord,” referring to the covenant God of Israel, does not arrive until verse 8 and after several developments in the psalm’s “plot.” First comes the taunt of non-believers (v. 3); then the memory of meeting with God in his house. Next arrives depression, deriving from separation from God. Psalm 22 famously expresses the same plot development.
Everywhere he goes, the author cannot get away from his need for God. He is disturbed by his distance from God, though, being poetry, the psalm emphasizes the depth of one’s need for God, not that separation from God has occurred.
The author knows the answer to his spiritual plight. Elohim is his Savior (v. 5). The high moment comes in verse 7—“deep calls to deep.” “Deep” refers to the depths of the ocean, connecting with the “water” theme of the passage. God is the “deep” calling to the “deep” within the author.
The author hears God’s call upon his soul as one hears a waterfall. This waterfall roars just as the God’s call roars in his heart. While a deer pants for streams of water, the author’s “panting” results in God sending waves and breakers to draw him into the depths of their relationship.
Verse 8 delivers the author’s point directly. The Lord, Israel’s covenant God, carefully ministers to his followers. He directs his faithful, covenant love to provide for them. At night, as the day is reviewed, the author lifts his voice in song and prayer. The content of his prayer in found in the remainder of Psalm 42/43. The author has a complaint: that he longs so deeply for his God that others notice his depression. Yet the author has confidence as well: he can talk to God (v. 9) and be heard. He has placed his hope in God (v. 11).
We need to trust God’s guidance, knowing he is the source of hope (Psalm 43:3-5)
The author’s appeal to God extends into Psalm 43. Now he asks for God’s light and truth. This request is irresistible to God. He will answer the heart cry of his earnest follower and the author will respond by going to God’s house to worship. He will express delight in him and sing his praises (v. 4).
The author’s lamenting refrain is now answered. It appeared in 42:5, at the height of his depression, in 42:11, at the height of the torment of his enemies, and now in 43:5, it becomes his words of resolve to rely upon his God.
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