I remember years ago singing the song “As The Deer.” It comes from Psalm 42. Where a devoted worshiper, probably a priest, is longing for the Jerusalem temple. Remembering times past when he was in the presence of his God. He remembers the sweetness of His presence. He longs for the relationship like no other. He uses the imagery of a deer that is so thirsty he is panting for water. Psalm 42:1-2 “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
He feels overwhelmed and desperate for the One he knows can satisfy his soul. This passion is the deepest kind of desire that can only be satisfied by God. The writer knows this and calls out to God. In verse 3, he acknowledges that he has cried night and day. He has been taunted and mocked by those who say, “Where is your God?” In his heart, he knows God loves him, will protect him, and sustain him. He has depended on God, but now God seems silent.
Psalm 42:3 “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”
In verse 4, he remembers the joyful days of worshiping God with praise and fellow believers. Now he is alone and cannot feel God’s presence. His memories only make him long more for God. If only he could drink in enough to satisfy this longing. To hear a word from God that would confirm that God was with him.
Psalm 42:4 “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.”
As he progresses through his feelings, he has a conversation within himself. He knows how he feels. He is depressed and in sorrow, but he does not give up. When his feelings are fatal, he goes back to what his mind knows is true. He continues to hope in God.
Psalm 42:5-8 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”
What can we take from this passage that will help us?
First, when we are in turmoil, we must continue to seek God. We must not allow our feelings to dictate who God is or what He can do. He is always there for us. If it feels as if he is silent, be still and cling to the truth that He will never leave you.
Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Second, remember the past and how God provided both mentally and physically for you. He has a plan for your life, and He is still working on your behalf.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Third, do not listen to those who are not anchored in the word. If they are doubters of God or have answers that are not biblical, they will not be a help to you. Some are ignorant of the word, but they think they have the answers. They are like the wife of Job, who said in Job 2:9, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.”
Fourth, we must seek God and His righteousness. Nothing will or can satisfy as He does. When a deer pants for water, there is only one thing he is consumed with: to find water. If it feels like God is distant, pray and ask Him to show you anything in your life that is hindering your relationship.
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Isaiah 55:6: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
When was the last time you were so thirsty for God that you felt you had to get alone and talk to Him? If we love Him, there should be a strong desire to spend time with Him. If you have never felt this way, you need to check your heart. It is very simple; we ought to long for Him like an animal that is thirsty for water.
