February 9
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PSALM 42 A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MY LIFE
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 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. 7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
– Psalm 42:1-8
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A DISCOURAGED SAINT’S PRAYER by ILMA
My Lord, I long to have you beside me especially when I am so weak
I thirst for your presence particularly in times when it looks so bleak
As a deer longs to find sources of water to quench his thirst
I also yearn to be with You so you can renew my strength.
When will I behold your wonderful face?
It has been a tiring existing in this world that is too fast paced
Why am I so discouraged and feeling so isolated?
Have you left my side because I totally feel neglected?
There is so much pain as I go through all the grieving
Why is this life full of agony and suffering?
Have mercy on my soul and let me focus in your promises
Keep me steadfast in your love so I can have no more compromises.
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REFLECTION
• How can discouragement draw us away from the Lord?
• How did the psalmist resolve his depression in this psalm?
• Why should we worship more our Lord when we are going through so much pain, suffering and loses?
• What happens when we don’t open our hearts to the Lord in times of crisis?