23 May | EVERYONE
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, 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?" Psalm 42: 1,2
David did not write this psalm. It was a hymn sung, and possibly also composed, by the sons of Korah. Korah had led a rebellion of two hundred and fifty leaders against Moses during the Exodus. Once judged, they all died, but the sons of Korah remained faithful, showing that being saved or lost is a personal matter and not a family one.
The psalm written by the sons of Korah describes the secret of a victorious experience: The desire for daily communion and fellowship with Jesus. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God."
In the deserts that dominate the regions of that land, water is scarce. Frequent droughts leave the soil cracked. Animals wander from one place to another looking to survive; among them, the deer, which in its despair emits a sad bellow, groans of pain and anguish. Without water, the poor animal is doomed to die, and the composers of this psalm use this image to illustrate the soul’s thirst.
God is the God of life. He is life itself. A day without God is like a day without water. The soul of every human being thirsts for God, even if he or she does not consciously recognize Him. The human beings of this century can attain money, power, and fame; but, if your heart is empty of God, your accomplishments will leave you increasingly lacking and confused.
The sons of Korah were among the musicians of the temple. In this context, the question "When shall I come and appear before God?" alludes to the significance of the temple in the experience of God's children. The temple does not save anyone, but it symbolizes the divine presence. If Jesus has saved you, you will long to be with Him and give Him glory for His redeeming grace.
Take Action
Do you long for God's company? Do you "thirst" for His presence? Do you know that you will only be fully at ease by His side? And therefore, do you wish to proclaim His glory to the four winds? Sing "Hope in God" (if possible, with your family).