Bible Chapter: Psalms 41 & 42

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    David understood God’s concern the poor and needy. He said the one who cares for those in need will find God’s deliverance in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and not deliver him to his enemies. David knew that his enemies would speak evil of him and desire his death, yet he continued to trust in God’s help. He cried out to the Lord to be merciful to him and raise him up.
    Both people and animals need water. We all have a thirst for water that keeps us alive.  This is especially true in hot and dry places. The psalmist used the illustration of deer that live near pools of water on the edge of the desert to talk of his longing for God. He said his soul thirsts for God, for the living God. This thirst for God is true in the heart of every human being. Sadly, many never find the way to truly know God. In talking to himself, the psalmist asked himself why he was cast down and discouraged. He needs to, and we all need to, hope in God. God is our help and our strength.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The Lord has promised to be with those who put their trust in him. It is very easy to get discouraged when things don’t look like they are going in a way that we like. We need to strive to continually get closer to the Lord and let his presence satisfy the thirst of our souls. God cares for all people in need and believers can be God’s messengers of sharing help to those in need. So it should be a normal part of life to help when we can continually reach out to get closer to God. And, when I feel cast down and discouraged, I need to remind myself that I have a solid hope in God. He is my strength.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Those who do not know God do not know the hope and joy that He offers. I want to be ready to share that hope and joy and point people to the peace of God that doesn’t make sense to our human thinking. God has promised to forgive all who come to him and in receiving forgiveness we have God’s peace.