For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 42. For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence. My God, my soul is in despair within me. Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls. All your waves and your billows have swept over me. GOD will command his loving kindness in the daytime. In the night his song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life. I will ask God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a sword in my bones, my adversaries reproach me, while they continually ask me, “Where is your God?” Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.

Worship Lyrics

For the Chief Musician
A contemplation by the sons of Korah
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God
When shall I come and appear before God
My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, Where is your God
These things I remember
And pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd
And
Led them to Gods house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day
Why are you in despair, my soul
Why are you disturbed within me
Hope in God
For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence
My God, my soul is in despair within me
Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar
Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls
All your waves and your billows have swept over me
GOD will command his loving kindness in the daytime
In the night his song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life
I will ask God, my rock, Why have you forgotten me
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy
As with a sword in my bones my adversaries reproach me
While they continually ask me Where is your God
Why are you in despair, my soul
Why are you disturbed within me
Hope in God
For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God

About This Psalm

Psalm 42 is a praise psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: praise

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 42 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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