Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
The word “deer” is hart, a male deer. Studies point out that the hart’s cry is stronger than female as it also protracts for a longer period of time. During the heat of the summer, it runs hard and tries to escape the hound of carnivorous beasts seeking water to quench their thirst. Also, they lie under the water with their nose above the water so that the scent of the body would be fully immersed and cleansed by water. This imagery helps us grasp a picture of a soul longing for God’s presence and holiness. The thirst is a spiritual thirst in the midst of dryness and being constantly under the vigilance of the enemies’ rolling eyes, the soul longs for the living water. The soul longs for cleansing, restoration, renewal and empowerment by God’s power and presence.
Prayer: Satisfy my soul as I desire and pants for you, my God, Amen.
