Book 2

(Psalms 42—72)

(A special psalm for the people of Korah and for the music leader.)

Longing for God

1As a deer gets thirsty

for streams of water,

I truly am thirsty

for you, my God.

2In my heart, I am thirsty

for you, the living God.

When will I see your face?

3Day and night my tears

are my only food,

as everyone keeps asking,

“Where is your God?”

4Sorrow floods my heart,

when I remember

leading the worshippers

to your house.42.4 leading…house: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

I can still hear them shout

their joyful praises.

5Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I trust you!

And I will praise you again

because you help me,

6and you are my God.

I am deeply discouraged

as I think about you

from where the Jordan begins

at Mount Hermon

and from Mount Mizar.42.6 Mount Mizar: The location is not known.

7Your vicious waves

have swept over me

like an angry ocean

or a roaring waterfall.

8Every day, you are kind,

and at night

you give me a song

as my prayer to you,

the living LORD God.

9You are my mighty rock.42.9 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.

Why have you forgotten me?

Why must enemies ill-treat me

and make me sad?

10Even my bones are in pain,

while all day long

my enemies sneer and ask,

“Where is your God?”

11Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I trust you!

And I will praise you again

because you help me,

and you are my God.