Today’s reading is Psalm 42.
We have just started the second book of the Psalms. Some suggest there are five books of Psalms to mirror the five books of the Torah. Either way we have moved through a division of the Psalms into a new section. And the contrast couldn’t be greater than how Book I started.
Do you remember how Book I started? There was the blessed man who meditated on the Lord’s Law and he was like a tree planted by streams of water. However, as Book II starts, we have the psalmist separated from God and, like a deer in the middle of a drought, panting for streams of water.
What happened to the streams?
We have no idea when this psalm was written. However, the picture it paints along with the northern geographical markers would fit a situation like 2 Kings 14:11-14, when Jehoash of Israel defeated Amaziah of Judah in battle and took vessels from the temple and hostages up into the north.
The psalmist is no longer able to worship at the Lord’s House. He is no longer able to lead his brothers and sisters in a throng of worship to the temple. Up in the north he sees Hermon, but he doesn’t see Zion. The enemies around him taunt him, “Where’s your God?” In other words, “If you and God are so close, why isn’t He doing something for you right now?”
Yes, as Psalm 1 says, the one who meditates on the Lord and His Law will be like a tree planted by the waters, prospering and bearing fruit. However, that doesn’t mean all of life is going to be like a walk along a garden path. There will be moments when, like this son of Korah, we have to talk to ourselves. We have to remind ourselves we have no need to be cast down and in a turmoil. We have to remind ourselves God is our salvation. What we are facing now will pass. We will once again drink from the streams of God’s mercy and grace. These are tough moments, but not only must we stay in God’s Word, we must speak God’s Word to ourselves over and over again, reminding ourselves to be steadfast.
Hang on no matter what. Even when it seems like the stream has run dry, God is still God and He still cares. This too shall pass.
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 42.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the psalm and the written devo above?
- What are some times you have faced that felt like the streams had all run dry?
- What helps you hang on to God during those times?
- How can we help you during those times?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this psalm and our discussion today?
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