The Psalmist uses many descriptions to describe his longing for God. One of the most beautiful and picturesque descriptions is found in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God." Imagine a deer that has been in the woods for several hours. As is the case with humans, the moment comes when the craving for something to drink begins. Thus the deer begins an earnest search for a cold stream where refreshment will be found. The idea set forth here is that the psalmist has an intense and insatiable desire that can only be satisfied by God.
The lesson from Psalm 42 is for us to go deeper in our relationship with our Father in heaven. Do not be satisfied with a superficial relationship. Perhaps the beginning point is to realize our personal dependence on God. As we sing in one sacred song concerning our God, “I Need Thee Every Hour.” From this attitude, develop an intense longing and desire for knowing and following the Father’s will, as revealed in the Scriptures, in every area of your life. Also, spend regular time in prayer to the Father. As the Hebrews writer reminds Christians, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
As His children, please remember the Father longs for us to live closely to Him. As the Psalmist exhorts concerning our heavenly Father, “Glory in His Holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore” (Psalm 105:3 & 4).
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