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Psalm 42 – As a Deer
By Mark D. Roberts | Monday, August 13, 2007
Excerpt
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1
Click here to read all of Psalm 42
Prayer
Thank You, Gracious God, for times when life is hard, when I can’t handle life’s challenges on my own, when I realize that my wisdom and my resources are inadequate. In these times, as much as a part of me hates them, I have no choice but to remember how much I need You. And in these times I can feel the longing of my soul for You.
Without You, dear Lord, my life would have no purpose. Without You, I’d faint from exhaustion and fade away. Without You, my discouragement would mount up higher and higher, with no hope of relief. Without You, my soul would be parched without satisfaction. So I yearn for You, Lord, yes, like a deer. You alone can satisfy my soul. You alone can refresh me. You alone can renew me. You are my life!
Postscript
The first lines of Psalm 42 have astounding power to touch our hearts. In 1984 Martin Nystrom took the words of this psalm and put them to music:
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
For more than two decades, this simple song has been one of the most popular in the praise and worship genre. Even now it’s the 28th most popular song, according to the CCLI listing.
Topics: Devotion, Psalm 041-045 |
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:03 am
THANKS ALOT FOR THE ” PRAY THE PSALMS”
THE PRAYERS IN THE BOOK OF PSALMS HAS REALLY LIFTED MY SPIRIT AND FOR ME, AND ABOUT ME.
THANKS AGAIN IN JESUS NAME. AMEN
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 am
Yes, Indeed i have found a shelter and strengths in the prayer.
Indeed God is the Owner of everything and Judgement is upom HIM
His love endures forever
Amen
Mada
May 18th, 2008 at 6:28 am
I heard it explained that a deer being hunted by another animal will seek water and jump and swim. Once in the water, it’s scent is lost and it is safe. The same goes for us, if we are submerged in Living Water, our enemy loses our scent too and we are safe….
July 26th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Love Anne Christensen’s comment re: “As a Deer……”
March 27th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I love this psalm!
August 5th, 2011 at 1:15 am
My ealiest memory of this song was when a long time family friend sang it at my dad’s funeral in 2007 and then my cousin played it on her violin at my dad’s memorial service
July 9th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
As the dear panteth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee… Have your way in me Lord.
May 1st, 2013 at 4:00 am
I love Anne Christensen’s comment.
May 1st, 2013 at 4:07 am
I am touched by Psalm 42:1 as well as Martin Nystrom’s song.