Psalm 42:1-5 “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.”

The Psalms are sometimes divided into 5 books, with each section ending with a doxology. Book 2 begins with Psalm 42.

Psalm 41:13 “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen.”

Korah led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16), yet his descendants end up serving in the temple as musicians. What a reminder that we are accountable for our own sins, and not somebody else’s!

Numbers 26:11 “Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah didn’t die.”

2 Chronicles 20:19 “The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with an exceedingly loud voice.”

The Psalmist is distressed. He is separated from Jerusalem and enduring the mocking of others. He longs for the times when he led worshipers to the temple to worship and praise. In the midst of his anguish, he reminds himself that God has not deserted him and that he should hope in Him!

Although we are the temple of God and His Spirit resides within us, there are still times when we are overcome by depression, or struggle with doubts and fears. That is when we most need to express our faith and hope, crying out for God’s presence in our lives.

For additional worship: As The Deer | The Worship Initiative (ft. Shane & Shane)