BOOK II

(Psalms 42–72)

(A special psalm by the clan of Korah and for the music leader.)

Longing for God

1As a deer gets thirsty

for streams of water,

I truly am thirsty

for you, my God.

2In my heart, I am thirsty

for you, the living God.

When will I see your face?

3Day and night my tears

are my only food,

as everyone keeps asking,

“Where is your God?”

4Sorrow floods my heart,

when I remember

leading the worshipers

to your house.+

I can still hear them shout

their joyful praises.

5Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I should trust you, Lord.

I will praise you again

because you help me,

6and you are my God.

I am deeply discouraged,

and so I think about you

here where the Jordan begins

at Mount Hermon

and at Mount Mizar.+

7Your vicious waves

have swept over me

like an angry ocean

or a roaring waterfall.

8Every day, you are kind,

and at night

you give me a song

as my prayer to you,

the God of my life.

9You are my mighty rock.+

Why have you forgotten me?

Why must enemies mistreat me

and make me sad?

10Even my bones are in pain,

while all day long

my enemies sneer and ask,

“Where is your God?”

11Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I trust you, Lord!

And I will praise you again

because you help me,

and you are my God.