Psalms 42

Chapter Summary

Psalms 42 begins with the psalmist expressing his deep longing for God's presence, comparing it to a deer's thirst for water (Psalms 42:1). He recalls the days when he would lead the procession to the temple, but now he is far away, and his soul is downcast (Psalms 42:4). The psalmist encourages himself to hope in God, despite his feelings of abandonment, and to trust in God's goodness (Psalms 42:5, 11). He asks God to send light and truth to guide him, and to lead him to the rock that is higher than he (Psalms 42:9, 12). The chapter concludes with the psalmist once again encouraging himself to hope in God, and to wait patiently for Him (Psalms 42:11).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 42 is part of the collection of psalms known as the Psalms of the Sons of Korah, which are attributed to the sons of Korah, a Levite who was responsible for the musical aspects of worship in the temple. The chapter is likely a response to the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites were separated from the temple and the presence of God. The psalmist's longing for God's presence reflects the Israelites' longing for restoration and return to their homeland.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to be emotionally honest about their struggles and doubts, and to trust in God's goodness, even in times of darkness. It also reminds us of the importance of longing for God's presence in our lives, and of seeking His illumination and guidance in times of turmoil.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 42 is a chapter about longing for God's presence and trusting in His goodness. The psalmist compares his desire for God to a deer's thirst for water, and encourages himself to hope in God despite his feelings of abandonment. This chapter reminds us to be honest about our struggles and to trust in God's character, even when we feel far away from Him (Psalms 42:1, 5).

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's longing for God's presence is a model for believers to express their own desire for God's presence in their lives. It is a reminder that our souls were made for God, and that we will never be satisfied until we find our rest in Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's trust in God's goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment, is a testament to the power of faith. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: Longing for God's Presence (Psalms 42:1-2) — The psalmist expresses his deep longing for God's presence, comparing it to a deer's thirst for water.
2. Recalling the Past: Memories of Worship (Psalms 42:3-4) — The psalmist recalls the days when he would lead the procession to the temple, but now he is far away, and his soul is downcast.
3. Encouragement to Hope: Trusting in God's Goodness (Psalms 42:5-6) — The psalmist encourages himself to hope in God, despite his feelings of abandonment, and to trust in God's goodness.
4. Asking for Guidance: Seeking God's Illumination (Psalms 42:7-9) — The psalmist asks God to send light and truth to guide him, highlighting the importance of God's illumination in times of darkness.
5. Conclusion: Waiting Patiently for God (Psalms 42:10-11) — The psalmist concludes by encouraging himself to wait patiently for God, and to trust in His goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Presence

This chapter teaches us about the importance of God's presence in our lives, and how it satisfies our deepest longings. The psalmist's longing for God's presence is a model for believers to express their own desire for God's presence.

The Doctrine of Trust

The psalmist's trust in God's goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment, is a testament to the power of faith. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.

The Doctrine of Emotional Honesty

The psalmist's emotional honesty about his struggles and doubts serves as a model for believers to express their own struggles and doubts. It highlights the importance of being honest about our emotions, and of seeking God's guidance and illumination in times of turmoil.

The Doctrine of Illumination

The psalmist's request for God to send light and truth to guide him highlights the importance of God's illumination in times of darkness. It reminds us that God is our guide, and that His Word is a lamp to our feet.

Lessons from Psalms 42

1. The Importance of Emotional Honesty — The psalmist's emotional honesty about his struggles and doubts serves as a model for believers to express their own struggles and doubts. It highlights the importance of being honest about our emotions, and of seeking God's guidance and illumination in times of turmoil.
2. The Power of Trust — The psalmist's trust in God's goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment, is a testament to the power of faith. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.
3. The Importance of Longing for God's Presence — The psalmist's longing for God's presence is a model for believers to express their own desire for God's presence in their lives. It reminds us that our souls were made for God, and that we will never be satisfied until we find our rest in Him.
4. The Importance of Seeking God's Illumination — The psalmist's request for God to send light and truth to guide him highlights the importance of God's illumination in times of darkness. It reminds us that God is our guide, and that His Word is a lamp to our feet.
5. The Importance of Waiting Patiently for God — The psalmist's conclusion, encouraging himself to wait patiently for God, serves as a model for believers to trust in God's goodness, despite their feelings of frustration or disappointment. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.

Themes from Psalms 42

1. Longing for God's Presence — The psalmist's longing for God's presence is a model for believers to express their own desire for God's presence in their lives. It reminds us that our souls were made for God, and that we will never be satisfied until we find our rest in Him.
2. Trust in God's Goodness — The psalmist's trust in God's goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment, is a testament to the power of faith. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.
3. Emotional Honesty — The psalmist's emotional honesty about his struggles and doubts serves as a model for believers to express their own struggles and doubts. It highlights the importance of being honest about our emotions, and of seeking God's guidance and illumination in times of turmoil.
4. Illumination — The psalmist's request for God to send light and truth to guide him highlights the importance of God's illumination in times of darkness. It reminds us that God is our guide, and that His Word is a lamp to our feet.
5. Waiting Patiently for God — The psalmist's conclusion, encouraging himself to wait patiently for God, serves as a model for believers to trust in God's goodness, despite their feelings of frustration or disappointment. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see or feel His presence.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can express your longing for God's presence in your life?
2. How can you trust in God's goodness, even when you feel abandoned or distant from Him?
3. What are some ways that you can seek God's illumination and guidance in times of turmoil?
4. How can you encourage yourself to hope in God, despite your feelings of abandonment or doubt?
5. What are some ways that you can wait patiently for God, and trust in His goodness, despite your feelings of frustration or disappointment?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 42

	Sermon	Description
	A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o
	Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the gospel in a challenging environment. He talks about how he spent time with gangsters and criminals, sharing the
	Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni	In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g
	A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need
	Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance
	Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to
	Talking to Yourself by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of feeling downcast, depressed, and sad. He emphasizes the importance of talking to oneself and questioning these negative feelings.
	So Panteth My Soul by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 42 and the longing of the soul for God. The speaker emphasizes the deep thirst and desire for God that the psalmist expresses in the t
	My Soul Thirst by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's word rather than human wisdom. He shares a story about a rich man who leaves a vast inheritance to his so
	Fighting the Blues by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are not alone in facing challenges and doubts. He encourages listeners to reject negative thoughts and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 42

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 42 highlights the psalmist's deep longing for God's presence, and his trust in God's goodness, despite his feelings of abandonment. Henry notes that the psalmist's emotional honesty about his struggles and doubts serves as a model for believers to express their own struggles and doubts. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's illumination and guidance in times of turmoil, and of trusting in God's goodness, even when we cannot see or feel His presence. Henry concludes by encouraging believers to wait patiently for God, and to trust in His goodness, despite their feelings of frustration or disappointment (Psalms 42:1-11). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?