Psalms 42
1As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, my God. 2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God? 3My tears have been my foodday and night,while people say to me all day long,“Where is your God?” 4These things I rememberas I pour out my soul:how I used to go to the house of Godunder the protection of the Mighty Onewith shouts of joy and praiseamong the festive throng. 5Why, 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. 6My soul is downcast within me;therefore I will remember youfrom the land of the Jordan,the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7Deep calls to deepin the roar of your waterfalls;all your waves and breakershave swept over me. 8By day the Lord directs his love,at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. 9I say to God my Rock,“Why have you forgotten me?Why must I go about mourning,oppressed by the enemy?” 10My bones suffer mortal agonyas my foes taunt me,saying to me all day long,“Where is your God?” 11Why, 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.
Study Context for Psalms 42
As you study Psalms 42, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Worship, Lament, Praise. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WorshipLamentPraise
Observation: What does Psalms 42 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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