Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 2

Psalm 42:1b "So pants my soul for You, O God."

Day 2 – Psalm 42

“So pants my soul for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1b

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

This was the 4th Beatitude pronounced by Jesus. The Sons of Korah appear as people who exemplify what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

A PROFANE SPIRIT

Korah and his fellow rebels displayed a wickedly erroneous attitude towards God and spiritual service. Their approach was profane. They demanded “their rights”! They were duly punished for their arrogance of spirit. Mercifully, some of the sons of Korah did not embrace the spirit of their father.

A HUMBLE MINISTRY

The sons of Korah would not have easily forgotten this part of their family history. They remained as Levites. They continued to serve as assistants to the priestly family of Aaron. Theirs was a humbler ministry. But that was all right to those who possessed a true spiritual understanding of service.

SPIRITUAL THIRST

The Sons of Korah manifested a spirit that was truly commendable. This spirit is seen in the opening lines of this psalm.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.”
Psalm 42:1

1. Imagery of a thirsty deer

a) Thirst is a natural phenomenon of all living creatures.
b) Thirst provides a powerful motivation that would drive the deer to go to great lengths to quench its thirst.

2. A spiritual thirst for God

a) A spiritual thirst may be described as a deep longing for God.
b) This is a most admirable desire.
c) A true spiritual thirst for God will drive a person to great lengths to slake that spiritual thirst.

Jesus’ promise of a special blessing to those who have this spiritual hunger and thirst applies. All genuine spiritual hunger and thirst would be fully satisfied!