Psalm 42

Common English Bible

BOOK II

(Psalms 42–72)

Psalm 42^[a]

For the music leader. A maskil^[b] of the Korahites.

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

⁴But I remember these things as I bare my soul:
    how I made my way to the mighty one’s abode,^[e]
    to God’s own house,
        with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs—
        a huge crowd celebrating the festival!
⁵Why, 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.

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

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

¹¹Why, 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.