Psalm 42, Thirsty for God

Thirsty for God February 10, 2019

The Book of Psalms is divided into five books. Book I () focused on the conflict between those who seek the Lord () and those who oppose the Lord and seek to overcome His authority (). Book II () focuses on inviting those who rebel against the Lord to join the fellowship of those who delight in the Lord. (, , ). We ask for the Lord’s blessing on us as His people in order that we might bless the nations of the earth (). The first seven Psalms of Book II are attributed to the sons of Korah. Korah was a Levite who served as a gatekeeper in the tabernacle (see and 26:1, 12). He and his sons are descended from the Korah who rebelled against Moses in . These rebels were swallowed up by the earth (). Out of rebels came godly children who wrote inspired Scripture. I. Communion With God –

A. This Psalm is still a reflection of David’s heart when he was chased by Saul or fleeing from Absalom’s rebellion even though it is written by Korah. Today he might be considered “depressed.”

1. David thirsted for public worship in the tabernacle – ;

2. David does not cry out for honor or for victory over his enemies or for an easier life. He longs for God’s presence.

B. How can we invite others to know our Savior when we ourselves are not enjoying His presence

1. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation . . . then I will teach transgressors Your ways –

2. His tears mock him asking, “Where is your God?” –

C. Our hearts are to be filled with joy –

1. God Himself is our reward –

2. Memory is a precious gift to sustain the grieving heart –

3. Will such memory sustain the one with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

II. Counseling Oneself –

A. His faith reasons with his fears - He commands himself to hope in God

1. God is our salvation –

2. Faith is not primarily an emotion but a confidence in the revealed will of God – ,

B. He questions himself

1. Why is my soul cast down?

2. He feels like someone caught in the surf and cast around without any control –

C. His confidence is that God commands his lovingkindness during the day and songs in the night –

1. God is unchangeable

2. His promises are certain

III. Forgotten?

A. The song in the night does not totally remove the darkness of discouragement and despair

1. The feeling of abandonment does not mean that the believer is abandoned

2. The truth is Christ was abandoned so that you would never be abandoned –

B. The reproach of enemies mock me, “Where is your God?”

1. Though words do not kills us, they still deeply wound us

2. But who can condemn us?

Memory, focused on God, helps us to know even though we cannot praise Him today, we will yet praise Him who is “the help of my countenance and my God.”

T