Thirsting for the Lord: Psalm 42-Supplication through the Scriptures
Thirsting for the Lord Psalm 42 Hope says, “You are my God,” in anticipation of the fulfillment of the promises, even when help is far off. VanGemeren Charles Spurgeon famously said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” In Psalm 42, the psalmist is struggling with despair. He has been separated from participating in temple worship perhaps because he is in exile in a foreign land. He is longing for the presence of the Lord. His tears are his food day and night. He is being taunted by his enemies. Indeed, he feels the heavy weight of God’s judgment on him as “all your breakers and your waves have gone over me” (42:7). These troubles have caused him to pant and thirst for his living God. However heavy his troubles, he does not wallow in self pity or give in to despair. He pours out his soul to the Lord, his rock. He remembers the joy of the songs of praise and the glad shouts. He knows the Lord’s character and faithfulness and that He commands Hi...