Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of Psalms 42–50 Psalms 42 –49 are written by the sons of Korah who were temple musicians, and Psalm 50 by Asaph, the founder of another temple group. These psalms, not unlike the psalms written by David, express deep longings for the presence of the Lord and the might of His hand in the lives of the people. The name of the Lord is extolled and His glorious deeds recalled. It is interesting to note that several portions from this group of psalms have inspired the writing of hymns and songs unto the Lord. Psalm 42:1 – ‘As the deer panteth for the waters …’ Psalm 45:4 – ‘Ride on! Ride on in majesty' (Hymn) Psalm 46 – Luther’s Battle Hymn As we commence this set of readings, let us come with soft hearts for the Spirit of the Lord to make these precious deposits of truth in our lives. May we be found among the saints of God who long for His presence and who ceaselessly extol His Name. No Masks Please Read Psalm 42:1-11 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:2a Feel the stabbing anguish of the parched deer as it pants for life-giving water. Could its hunters be pressing in ruthlessly? Then feel the agonizing thirst of the writer as he cries out for God. There is deep emotion here: ‘my soul pants’ (v 1b), ‘my soul thirsts’ (v 2a), ‘my tears (run) day and night’ (v 3), ‘I poured out my soul’ (v 4a). Recall the times when you longed for God with such intensity. There is no mask here. The writer bares his heart. Probably in exile, and wrenched from familiar places and practices, the writer remembers (v 4), and longs for the familiar and loved. Why must it take deprivation to awaken us to the treasures we otherwise take for granted? He also suffers anguish from the taunts of his enemies (v 3, 10). ‘Where is your God’ from mocking lips are as jabbing barbs in our vulnerable moments. Are you or someone you know going through pain-stabbing times? Pause and pray for God’s sustaining grace. Note how the writer is unafraid to ask God some ‘Why?’ questions. ‘Why have you forgotten me?’ ‘Why must I go about mourning?’ (v 9) God is well able to handle the questions we ask Him in our distress. The writer’s robust faith in God is evident. Dire external circumstances will not suck him into abysmal despair. Do we sometimes hear our friends in pain ask questions and we panic, ‘He’s slipping in his faith!’ Whoa! That needn’t be true. Note also the significant self-talk (vs 5, 11), the gentle chiding: ‘Why are you so downcast, O my soul?’ And the charge that comes forth: ‘Put your hope in God.’ Chiding and charging are good lessons to learn and practise in our walk with God. Go ahead and be real with God, When it hurts, it hurts. When you are down you cannot be up and about. But take heed. There is no place for childish pouts and tantrums. Lord, even when I am downcast and disturbed, I will put my hope in You. I will praise You, my Saviour and my God.