The David Spoon Experience 10-11-23 part 1
A) As we start out in Psalm 42, we need to be reminded that the book of Psalms, with 150 chapters, is divided into five different books. Psalm 1 through 41 is book one. Psalm 42 through Psalm 72 is book two. Psalm 73 through Psalm 89 is considered to be book three. Psalm 90 through 106 is considered to be book four, and Psalm 107 through 150 is considered to be book five. I took a particular advanced class in Psalms, and there is an argument to be made that each of these five books represents different stages of Israel at different points in their existence. It’s a cool theory, but not one I’m willing to die for.
B) However, let’s concentrate on Psalm 42, which many believe was written by the sons of Korah. This song focuses on yearning for God in the midst of distress. So, if you are unfamiliar with this song, start reading it, and then read it again in a different translation. Read 25 different translations. And you’ll begin to pick up on it. Yes, I said that.
C) As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for you. Think about a thirsty deer drinking from water or a brook. The exciting thing about a deer is that in comparison to many other natural creatures, it’s not a lion or a bear. It’s a beautiful, wonderful, delightful, enjoyable creature that God created, and by the way, no, it’s not a sin to hunt. If you’ve ever seen Bambi meets Godzilla and didn’t laugh, there’s something wrong with you. But the key is the picture: to thirst for God. That’s what true believers do.
D) One of the chief complaints in this Psalm is the passionate delight that the author has in God, but that he still has to deal with scoffers and people mocking him. It can get discouraging. But how do we pull out of that spiral? The author remembers going into the House of God with such great joy and delight and praise that it lifts his spirits high. Turn that frown upside down by understanding that when you’re in a lurch, think about the great things of HIS church, where God meets with His people.
