MAY 23, Psalm 42:1-2

Psalm 42 was written by a psalmist who was forced by circumstances to leave Jerusalem. During the Old Testament times, Jerusalem was where the Temple was located and it symbolized the presence of God with the people of Israel. The psalmist was unable to return to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship. He longed to be able to worship God together with other people in the Temple. He was in despair because he was unable to do so. The psalmist could possibly be David on the run, from King Saul who persecuted him. Psalm 42 gives us a very valuable lesson on how we should have a strong desire for God.

Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:” The word “hart” means male deer. It is a small animal, frequently found in the deserts of Israel. It has many enemies: bears, lions and wolves. The psalmist describes the hart as “panting after the water brooks”. The word “pant” has a deep meaning. It means longing after something or having a strong desire for something. In the case of the hart, its desire is for water. After running from its enemies, it becomes parched with thirst. It will seek out the water brooks which means little streams. Its desire is so strong that it will keep on running and running to find water, even to the extent of dropping dead just to find water. The psalmist says, “so panteth my soul after thee, O God”. In the midst of despair, the Psalmist describes his desire for God as a very strong desire just like the hart panting for water. He repeats his desire “my soul thirsteth for God, for the living God”. The psalmist seeks to be with God.

Dear children, do you have a strong desire for God? You need to have this strong desire in order to grow spiritually. How can you have a strong desire for God? You need to love God and His Word. Read the Bible regularly and obey what it says. Pray unceasingly. Learn to prioritise your time for spiritual activities for example, attending Junior Worship on Sundays, Vacation Bible School and Junior Worship Camp.

Thought: Do you have a strong desire for God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to love You and Your Word. Grant me a strong desire to read the Bible and pray frequently. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.