Ps 42:1-5

This song was penned by David and sung by the sons of Korah - Korah who rebelled against Moses. However, some of his offspring did not die, and, generations later, they served the Lord with music.

A deer usually goes with other animals, but when it gets thirsty, it leaves them, seeking for water. David longed after God and nothing else could fill the gap - not even being king.

David used to be able to go to the house of God, but when his son Absalom rebelled, he had to flee and no longer had freedom to go to the house of the Lord. He still longed for it. Most people today do not long after God but after the pleasures of this world (money, marriage, etc).

In the Song of Solomon, chapter 3, we read of the one who woke in the middle of the night, only to find that the one she loved was absent. She then sought for him in the streets. Eventually, when she found him (after going a little beyond the watchmen), she did not want to let him go again. Many search for God, find Him, but then they do not stay with Him - after a while they leave Him.

In Ps 73 we read of Asaph, a man who feared and served God, looking at the prosperity of the wicked. He started to long for their prosperity and comfort. His feet almost slipped, but then God opened his eyes when He was in the temple, and he saw their end. Maybe as a Christian you start to find the world attractive. You need to do what Asaph did - enter into God's sanctuary and meet with God anew. You will never have peace, unless you meet the Prince of peace.

In verse 5 we note the trust that David had in God. He refused to be despondent and spoke to his soul to "hope in God". No matter what pit you may be in, look to the Lord with hope, and He will lift you out of it.

When Abraham was told by God to leave his country and people, he obeyed and lived in tents. It was a difficult lifestyle in a foreign country, but he went out, trusting God. He longed for a better country, heaven.

Of such men God is not ashamed, but is glad to be called their God. They long after Him and love Him above all else.

How about you today? Do you long after God, and rejoice in the fellowship of His people? Even though your past may have been wasted with this world, make your decision today to love and serve God with all your heart.