Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."
This is a powerful passage of Scripture. It reminds us of how desparate undomesticated animals are. They are seeking food, water, shelter, and sometimes escape from other predators. And yet, the psalmist compares the desire for water for a deer to the desire we need to have for God.
It is also a convicting truth as well. How often do I long for God the way an animal longs for nourishment? We become so wrapped up in life, in our jobs, with our family, with the newest philosphy, the hippest song, with American Idol, the Winter Olympics, with the 5 for 5 special at Arby's, with Twinkies, with the labor talks of the NFL and how it will impact the future of the Packers...let's get back to what is the important things of life.
This Psalm is very inspiring. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."
So today, if you see a deer, give it a hug. And may it be a reminder of the desire we need to have for God.
