The Ministry of God's Presence

Psalm 42

The author of psalm 42 has experienced exile and writes how he misses his homeland, the land of YHWH.

READ Psalm 42:1-4

He describes his thirst for God and recalls how he used to lead his fellow people to the house of God with great celebration for an awesome encounter with God.

In contrast, he finds himself currently in despair, taken from his homeland, and he feels far from God.

READ Psalm 42:5-8

The author reflects on his sorrowful discouragement and finds hope in God's presence. He recalls a second memory from his homeland -- the sound and the feeling of the springs that pour out of Mount Hermon and go to form the Jordan River. These memories of his homeland help him recall the God he worshiped there. He senses the Lord's presence in two ways: as lovingkindness by day and a song by night.

How wonderful and comforting are memories that bring us near to what we miss and can bring us close to God.

READ Psalm 42:9-11

Because of oppression and homesickness, He again despairs, but finds hope in God. Sometimes we may feel discouraged, longing for our home where we grew up, raised a family, old friends, the church we attended many years. Sometimes we feel like God is far away and has forgotten us. But he hasn't! Remember Jesus' words he promised his followers, "I am with you always -- even to the end of the this age." and in Hebrews 13, the promise "I will never leave you or forsake you." If you are Jesus' follower and hope in God, you will know He is with you!

Furthermore, we have heaven to look forward to, a real, permanent home where we can encounter God face to face! Hope also in this promise of eternity in Heaven!