Follow along in your Bible turned to Psalm 42
Psalm 42 is a heartfelt cry of someone who feels spiritually dry and distant from God, expressing deep longing for God’s presence. Here is a synopsis along with relevant scripture cross-references:
1. Deep Longing for God (Psalm 42:1-2): The psalmist compares his thirst for God to a deer panting for streams of water, illustrating a profound spiritual desire. This imagery echoes the spiritual thirst mentioned elsewhere, such as in Psalm 63:1 and Isaiah 41:17.
Isaiah 41:17 NIV [17] “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
2. Feeling of Abandonment (Psalm 42:3, 9-10): The psalmist feels abandoned by God, crying day and night, and faces taunts from others asking, “Where is your God?” This echoes other instances of lament and feelings of abandonment, like in Psalm 22:1 and Matthew 27:46.
Psalms 22:1 NIV [1] My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
3. Recalling Better Times (Psalm 42:4): The psalmist remembers times of joyful worship with the crowd, indicating a contrast between his past joy and present distress. The importance of remembering past blessings is a theme also seen in Psalm 77:11-12.
Psalms 77:11-12 NIV [11] I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
4. Struggle with Despair (Psalm 42:5-6a, 11): The psalmist questions his soul, asking why it is downcast and disturbed. He encourages himself to hope in God. This reflects the internal struggle and self-encouragement found in other Psalms, like Psalm 43:5.
Psalms 43:5 NIV [5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
5. Feeling Overwhelmed (Psalm 42:7): The imagery of deep calling to deep and the overwhelming waves and breakers symbolize the psalmist’s profound distress, akin to the overwhelming circumstances described in Psalm 69:1-2.
Psalms 69:1-2 NIV [1] Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. [2] I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
6. Affirmation of God’s Steadfast Love (Psalm 42:8): Amidst his turmoil, the psalmist acknowledges God’s unfailing love, a consistent theme throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 36:5).
Psalms 36:5 NIV [5] Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
7. Pleading for Deliverance and Praise (Psalm 42:9-11): The psalmist questions God and pleads for vindication while expressing hope and praise. This mirrors the mixed feelings of despair and trust seen in Psalms like Psalm 13.
Psalms 13:1,5 NIV [1] How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? [5] But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 42 exemplifies a journey from despair to hope, from questioning to trust, encapsulating the spiritual struggles and resilience that characterize much of the Psalms.