Psalms 42:1 — Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Psalm 42 was written by a Levite who longs to return to the temple in Jerusalem, probably during the exile. Verse 1 uses a delicate image: as the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God. The thirst expressed here is not physical; it is spiritual. It is the deep desire for the presence of God that gives meaning to life. When we are far from the Lord, our hearts dry up and lose vigor. The psalmist does not hide his sadness, but he does not give up the search either. That longing is an invitation to evaluate what we desire most. Whoever thirsts for God finds in him the fountain that satisfies forever.