BOOK II

(Psalms 42–72)

Psalm 42^y

For the music leader. A maskil^z of the Korahites.

• 42 Just like a deer that craves streams of water,
• my whole being^a craves you, God.
• ² My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God.
• When will I come and see God’s face?^b
• ³ My tears have been my food both day and night,
• as people constantly questioned me,
• “ Where’s your God now? ”

• ⁴ But I remember these things as I bare my soul:
• how I made my way to the mighty one’s abode,^c
• to God’s own house,
• with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs—
• a huge crowd celebrating the festival!
• ⁵ Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed?
• Why are you so upset inside?
• Hope in God!
• Because I will again give him thanks,
• my saving presence and my God.

• ⁶ My whole being is depressed.
• That’s why I remember you
• from the land of Jordan and Hermon,
• from Mount Mizar.
• ⁷ Deep called to deep at the noise of your waterfalls;
• all your massive waves surged over me.
• ⁸ By day the LORD commands his faithful love;
• by night his song is with me—
• a prayer to the God of my life.

• ⁹ I will say to God, my solid rock,
• “ Why have you forgotten me?
• Why do I have to walk around,
• sad, oppressed by enemies? ”
• ¹⁰ With my bones crushed, my foes make fun of me,
• constantly questioning me: “ Where’s your God now? ”

• ¹¹ Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed?
• Why are you so upset inside?
• Hope in God!
• Because I will again give him thanks,
• my saving presence and my God.