The Thirsting Deer: A Journey to Hope Praying with Scripture: Psalm 42, Verses 1-8

Psalm 42 is a profound expression of a soul’s intense longing for God.  It is often referred to as the “thirsting deer” psalm.  This psalm reminds us of times when our souls may feel lo

st; in exile, and the always present and reliable hope in God’s presence and in His salvation.  This psalm is a lament about overwhelming suffering and a desire for intimacy with God.  Follow along with me as we take this psalm, apply it to suffering, specifically in the form of depression, and find Christ’s ever present peace as He guides us toward His loving redemption. 

Anyone who battles depression and loneliness understands the reality of spiritual struggle and the feelings of abandonment, while at the same time being consistently redirected to the heart of God, who is our hope and our help.  God, who loves us deeply and wants only what is good for us.   

In verse 1, we are stricken by our thirst for God’s care.  “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for you, O God.” The deer, innocent, vulnerable, fearful and ready to run at the slightest sound or movement…thirsting…wanting something more…surviving. Lord, I am reliant on you for everything.  I need you.  You sustain me.  You remind me not to fear.  You pour your mercy upon me, even when I run; especially when I run. While you hurt watching my pain, you understand and you continue to seek me. I know your love is unconditional.  You want to meet my need.  

By verse 2, we are becoming impatient with ourselves; we experience an inner disharmony. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When shall I come and behold the face of God?”  Oh Lord, I can’t find you.  I’m so lost in this darkness.  How much longer, Lord?  How long must I suffer in this darkness? How long must I wait? This oppression is so painful.  Where are you, my God? 

As we recount verse 3, we cry. My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, “Where is your God?” I can’t stop crying.  The continual flow of my tears creates fear.  I feel abandoned; isolated from humanity.  It’s as if all my friends have fallen asleep in the garden.  I have no one.  But wait!  Lord, I see a glimpse of you!!! I am aware of this, even as the desolation grows.  

In verse 4, I realize there were better times. “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.” Although I pour out my soul, it’s not enough; my words, or lack thereof, leave me restless.  I cannot find relief.  I reflect on my loneliness and inadequacy. I remember better times; times when I was connected.  I wonder why I can’t feel that way now.  I become more desperate.  The vastness of my desolation grows even broader.  Where are you, my God? 

By verse 5, hope is starting to present itself to me.  “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my savior...”  A light bulb comes on.  Dear child, why are you feeling so hopeless and in such despair? Don’t you know this desolation is fleeting, and consolation awaits? Can you not remember to focus on your reserve of consolation, from better times, and allow those warm memories to carry you through, to quench your thirst, and to satisfy the longing in your soul?  Don’t you know this period of darkness is only temporary; it won’t last forever!  Do you remember hope? Don’t let yourself fall into despair. 

In verse 6, I begin to find reassurance. “...and my God.  My soul is cast down within me, therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.” My soul remains intact; my memories reassure me.  Relief may come soon.  Or maybe it won’t. But I see an image of you, Jesus.  Your eyes lock onto mine.  You smile at me. You extend your arms and embrace me.  You tell me how much you love me; you’re glad I’m here. You remind me everything is going to be okay.  

Within verse 7, I think I may be drowning. “Deep calls to deep at the thunder of your cataracts; all your waves and your billows have gone over me.”  Lord, I am so overwhelmed by this depression, by my mental health, and how these challenges ploy to isolate me from you and from others who love me so very much. I can’t take this anymore.  I am at my weakest point.  The point when the only thing I can do is find my strength through you, my Lord and my God. You carry me.  I realize just how much I need you.  

Verse 8 leads me to you! You are my refuge and my strength. “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love; and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” Good and gracious God, your love is with me at all times.  Let me remain open to it and help me turn to you when I am sad, lonely, afraid, lost, and confused about what to do next.  Open my eyes.  Let me see the beautiful image of you standing before me, a smile on your face. Help me sense your loving embrace.  That feeling of peace, calm, and beauty coming over me.  I am nourished; my thirst subsiding.  You are near.  Oh how I love you, my Lord. 

Cheryl Oerly contributing writer 12.1.25

Sources

1.  The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. 

2.  Magisterium AI.