David begins the 42nd Psalm by comparing his thirst for the living God to that of a thirsty deer. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that such a pursuit is “dear” to the psalmist—the “dear” living God.
I talk to inanimate objects, but surely I’m not the only one that does! There is a certain degree of satisfaction that comes in conducting a monologue before such an item. It doesn’t talk back, and in it’s not doing that, you know that you’re right—otherwise the thing would talk back to you (remember Balaam’s donkey).
The fact is that you get more peace from a “living God” than an inanimate one. Case in point: Psalm 115:4-8—What good is it to have mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and not be able to utilize the senses that they represent? No good whatsoever—that’s the point. Worshiping an object (or any other non-living God) is “senseless”.
On the other hand, you want to maintain a relationship with One who has been in your shoes (Is. 53:4: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. ) As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, our High Priest is not unsympathetic toward our weaknesses because He was tempted as we are, in all points—yet without sin!
To have an intimate relationship with a dead god is useless—to have one with the Living God—is peace-producing. Don’t forget what the angels asked the ladies at Jesus’ tomb: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
The second half of that which will help you achieve peace in your life is the second half of the psalm, which basically says for us to tell our souls that God is in charge—He’s been in charge in the past, in the present, and will be in the future—so there’s nothing to be fearful of whatsoever—and hence, our peace.
b(Les)sings
PSALM 42 (KING JAMES VERSION)
[1] As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
[2] My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
[3] My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
[4] When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
[5] Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
[6] O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
[7] Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
[8] 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.
[9] I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
[10] As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
[11] Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
[2] My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
[3] My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
[4] When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
[5] Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
[6] O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
[7] Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
[8] 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.
[9] I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
[10] As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
[11] Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
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