Psalm 42 1. THE REVELATION OF A STRONG DESIRE (a) The Pursuit - 1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, (b) The Prize - so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (c) The Persistence - 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: (d) The Purpose - when shall I come and appear before God? 2. THE RECOGNITION OF A SERIOUS DANGER (a) He is downcast - down and out! 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? (b) He is disturbed - and why art thou disquieted in me? in a helpless and hopeless condition. (c) He is denied - 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, (d) He is derided - while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God 3. THE RESOLUTION OF A SENSIBLE DECISION 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. From THE INWARD LOOK - He chose THE UPWARD LOOK! my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee
When Simon Peter looked in to his own heart he saw only fear. When Peter looked around he saw nothing but the storm. His only safety lay in looking to the Lord!!
“Good when he gives, supremely good, nor less, when he denies,
even crosses from his sovereign hand, are blessings in disguise.”
4. THE RESTORATION OF A SURE CONCLUSION
(a) THE DECISION TO TRUST GOD 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God:for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: It’s a matter of trusting him and entrusting ourselves to Him - placing our lives consciously, clearly, and completely in HIS hands.
(b) THE DECLARATION OF BETTER THINGS TO COME:
Scott of the antarctic said the complete darkness of the six month Polar night was worth living through for the joy of seeing the dawn. 11 for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
