Chapter Summary

The experiences of a much afflicted saint and his confidence in God.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 42

1. How is God described in this Psalm? What new attributes of God did you learn from this Psalm?
2. Psalm 42:1-2, "As a deer pants for flowing streams, 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?" (ESV) How does this verse reveal the yearning that the Psalmist has? Have you ever felt the same way the Psalmist does here?
3. Psalm 42:3, "My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?’" (ESV) What is the Psalmist grieving in this verse? How does this provide space to lament and go to God when we feel like He is distant?
4. Psalm 42:4, "These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival." (ESV) What does this verse teach about the impact of memories? Why do these happy memories weigh on the Psalmists heart?
5. Psalm 42:5,10, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation" (ESV) Why does the Psalmist repeat this verse twice in this chapter? How does this repetition highlight what truth he is reminding himself of?
6. Psalm 42:6, "My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar." (ESV) The Psalmist was physically far from the house of God at this time. What can be gleaned by his moment of remembrance even when he was not able to approach a temple or tabernacle to rest and worship?
7. Like the Psalmist in verse 6, have you ever longed to feel closer to God’s presence? What hope does The Holy Spirit give in times like this? What reminders and memories bring yourself encouragement?
8. Psalm 42:7, "Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me." (ESV) What does this metaphor say about God’s presence? What characteristics of God come to mind when you read this verse?
9. Psalm 42:8, "By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." (ESV) What peace can be found in knowing God does not just share His love, but commands it? How does commanding a gift of love to His children speak of His heart? How does this verse capture the constant presence of God in one’s life?
10. Psalm 42:9, "I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" (ESV) Have you ever felt forgotten by God? What is it like seeing David express this to The Lord? How can his heart posture encourage you to be honest with The Lord in prayer?

Key Words/Phrase

Hope, v. 5.

Characters

God, Psalmist.

Strong Verse(s)

5, 11.