Psalm 42 opens with words familiar to many: “As a deer longs for (pants for) flowing streams (the living water), so my soul longs for you, O God.” The author of this psalm is searching for his God; not questioning God’s existence, but needing to feel God’s presence in whatever circumstance he’s facing. Apparently people around him are even making fun of him, asking, “Where is your God?”
Sometimes, that can be a hard question to answer, especially when we’re known for our faith. But instead of withdrawing from God, the psalmist, leans into his faith and on the hope it offers.
“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.” — Psalm 42:8
When the day or night feels long — whether from grief, loneliness, or uncertainty — God gives us a song. The psalmist reminds us that divine love accompanies us in the dayime and in the darkness. The difference, in Psalm 42, is that the psalmist sees evidence of God’s love in the day and hears, in his soul, evidence of God’s love in the night.
“By day, the Lord directs his love,” the verse says, and “at night, his song is with me.” God’s love is grace that both steadies and sings. When we can’t feel God, God directs our eyes to evidence of his love. When our hearts are heavy, the Spirit prays within us and makes music in our souls.
God’s ongoing work in us sustains faith when emotion fades. Even when joy seems distant, grace hums quietly beneath the surface, like a familiar song remembered in the dark. When we can’t see the light, we can still listen for the tune of hope. Sometimes faith is simply learning to hum along.
Psalm 42 ends with these words: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God,” Notice the “shall.” Not “might” again praise him. Shall praise my God. Not just God. My God. And, his God is your God, too.
Prayer: God of my life, thank you for your love that shines by day and sings by night. When my spirit grows weary, let your song rise within me. Teach me to trust that your melody of grace will carry me through every shadow. Amen.
