Psalms 42:1 AMP
[1] As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.
This psalm is credited to the sons of Korah, who are also credited with about 11 of the psalms in the bible. As the bible records, these were a group of Levites assigned by God to be gatekeepers in His Tabernacle, and to lead the chorus in worshiping God through song. This means that God wanted praise and worship from His people and He empowered and gifted some of the chosen tribe of Levi to be the leaders of this great assignment. What this tells me is that God has always desired praise from His people. There is nothing else He does not have, as all things belong to Him, and He can raise stones to praise Him, as He has made clear in the Bible. However, it is a privilege that mortal man is called, set apart and empowered to praise, worship and rever an immortal God. Do I know who I am, whose I am, and do I have an understanding of this amazing assignment?
There is no Levite arrangement in our time today, as all who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour are set apart to offer quality praise to God, in line with the standards laid down by this God. What makes these men distinct was the identity of their father Korah. This was the same man who was caught in a conspiracy to oppose Moses, and who was punished along with Dathan and Abiram. The ground opened up and swallowed these men and all they had, including wives and children. What a terrible way to be punished. However, these sons of Korah were not part of that rebellion, and it is instructive to note that God dealt graciously with them. God is still looking for people whose lives His grace can shine in and through. Whatever is in my past will not be a limiting factor to what God can do in and with my life. Am I a vessel that is willing and obedient and available?
The psalm makes reference to the deer. This is an animal that is constantly chased by other predators who will have it for food. It has to constantly be alert and be aware of its surroundings at all times. It spends a lot of time running, and needs time to be refreshed and replenished. This is where its panting for water comes in. For all who are running today, there is a place of rest, restoration and renewal that God provides for those who seek Him. This panting is an intense, desperate longing for God, coming from a heart that knows that if God does not help, no other help will be available. It portrays deep spiritual hunger, as well as a turning to God alone in times of despair or loneliness. I note that the sons of Korah acknowledge the personal nature of this desire. As much as corporate worship helps, it is critical to note that it is my personal walk with God that will guide me through whatever is coming. Deer may move in herds for protection, but a race for survival is always personal. Can I say that God is my sole focus? God's time of favour is here.
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