Psalm 42

A Deep Love for God

Psalm 42

Article Tools

This psalm has all the elements of a love song—the unbearable longing, the near despair when the beloved appears to be far away, and the loving memory of the beloved’s attributes. But the beloved is God. The psalmist uses what were even then romantic conventions as the only language strong enough to express the depth of his love for the Lord.

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.

As a heart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and behold the face of God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, “Where is your God?”

These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God,

with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

My soul is cast down within me, therefore I…

The full article is available to subscribers only

Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.

Special Offer: 2 week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.

Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.

Comments