LONGING FOR GOD

What do you do in times of adversity? Do you turn to God, or turn away from Him? The writer of Psalm 42 turned to God and encourages us to do the same.

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

While they continually say to me,

“Where is your God?”

(Psalm 42:1-3, NKJV)

Psalm 42 was written by the Sons of Korah, a division of the ancient priests of the Temple. It was written for the Chief Musician, to be sung in worship. The first three verses summarize the ideas which are expanded throughout the remainder of the psalm. The psalmists, longed for God in a time of adversity.

Adversity will drive us from God, or draw us to Him.

Adversity comes to all of us. We live in a fallen world in which bad things happen - to all of us. Believers, unbelievers, rich, poor, people from all walks of life experience adversity of one kind or another. What we do in those times is important.

Some people blame God for their troubles. They become angry at God. As a result, they turn away from Him. They become bitter.

Some people ignore God. They try to find a solution to their problems outside of God. They try to fix it on their own, or trust in other people to fix it for them. They become discouraged when their attempts fail.

But wise people turn to God in times of adversity. They realize God is their hope. He can empower them to overcome their adversity, or change the circumstances which are causing adversity. Their faith becomes stronger as a result.

When facing adversity, turn to God. Seek Him out. When you seek Him, you will find Him.