The Longing (Psalm 42:1-11)
1) First Thoughts
a. Life has a way of reminding us that we are not always in charge of what happens. The psalmist too found life to be unkind at times. In light of emotional experiences in the lives of faithful men of God, such as Moses, Elijah, and Jeremiah, we should not be surprised that people who know and love God battle feelings of despair.
2) Understand the Context
a. The writer of Psalm 42 found himself in exile, separated from God’s people. With the privilege of serving as a Levite taken away from him, the writer fell into the deep crevice of despair. Refusing to wallow in self-pity, the psalmist put his hope in God, remembered God’s faithfulness, and continued praising the Lord. See glimpses and hear echoes of Jesus.
3) Explore the Text
a. Thirsty (42:1-4)
i. Reasons for spiritual dryness are numerous. Results are same: feelings of isolation from God, unasked prayers, apathy towards Bible study, a lack of desire for worship, and lost contact with fellow believers.
ii. Overcoming spiritual dryness:
1. Recognize spiritual need.
2. Thirst for God. Whenever we feel separated from the Lord, we must make seeking Him our highest priority because our spiritual health is at stake. See Matthew 13:22 and Mark 4:19.
b. Drowning (42:5-8)
i. Actions taken:
(1) Put your hope in God. …, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ~ I Peter 1:3
(2) Praise God. While worship may not remove the dark clouds from your life, it opens the doors of heart and spirit, giving God an avenue for His healing touch.
(3) Remember God. Pain has unintended side effects, i.e., forgetfulness. Does your faith travel?
(4) Pray to God. Our prayers reach the throne of the God of heaven!
c. Crushed (42:9-11)
i. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ~ Hebrews 13:5-6
4) Memory Verse: Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. ~ Psalm 42:8