June 16, 2020
Meditations on the Psalms
We’re hoping to offer a meditation on a different psalm each week. Why the psalms? Because it is their emotional immediacy, their ability to address the entirety of human experience that has made them the center of biblical devotion for Jews and Christians for centuries. Just open up the Book of Psalms, sometimes called the Psalter, and begin reading. Sooner or later you will find something that speaks to your heart.

Today I invite you to look at the first few verses of Psalm 42. It is one of my favorites because it articulates a longing for God that many of us feel, especially in times of uncertainty or sadness. This version is from the Message translation. The language is a little different, but I love its directness.

Read it through slowly several times and let it wash over you.

Close your eyes and notice which word or image seems to be asking for more attention.

Let yourself linger there in silence for a few minutes or longer.

Read it through again.

Listen for what God is saying to you today, right now through these words.

Rest in God’s mysterious love for you.

Ann+
A white-tailed deer drinks
   from the creek;
I want to drink God,
   deep draughts of God.
I’m thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, “Will I ever make it—
   arrive and drink in God’s presence?”
I’m on a diet of tears—
   tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
   people knock at my door,
Pestering,
   “Where is this God of yours?”
These are the things I go over and over,
   emptying out the pockets of my life.
I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
   right out in front,
Leading them all,
   eager to arrive and worship,
Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
   celebrating, all of us, God’s feast!
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
   Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
   soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
   He’s my God.