The Lord Will

Psalm 42:1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

KJV

Read in Psalm 42

Meaning

The deer thirsting for flowing water becomes an image of the worshiper’s intense longing for God; spiritual desire is real, but it must not be used to neglect ordinary bodily needs or care.

Thirst, tears, remembered worship, and hope

Verses 1–5 move from longing for the living God through tears and remembered public worship to the first refrain of hope.

Read carefully

The deer thirsting for flowing water becomes an image of the worshiper’s intense longing for God; spiritual desire is real, but it must not be used to neglect ordinary bodily needs or care.

Reflection

The deer thirsting for flowing water becomes an image of the worshiper’s intense longing for God; spiritual desire is real, but it must not be used to neglect ordinary bodily needs or care.