Stephen begins by emphasizing the importance of glorifying God's name and turning to Psalm 42, which he reads in its entirety. He highlights the significance of the introductory notes in Psalms, especially those attributed to the sons of Korah, who were originally descendants of Korah, a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and was swallowed by the earth as a divine punishment. Despite their father's rebellion, the sons of Korah survived and became devoted singers and servants in God's house, having experienced God's mercy firsthand through their suffering and deliverance. Stephen explains that these psalms, often attributed to David, reflect deep affliction, hope, faith, and a longing for God's presence. He discusses the background of Psalm 42, likely written during King David's exile when he fled from Absalom's rebellion, expressing a soul's intense thirst for God, likened to a heart panting after water. Stephen underscores that true believers should hunger and thirst for God above all else, as water is essential for life. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face, which reveals His full glory and transforms believers from glory to glory. Stephen encourages believers to maintain a longing for God's presence, especially in times of darkness, and to remember that God's presence is always with us, even when we do not feel it. He concludes with a prayer for renewed hunger, faith, and love for God, urging us to seek His face continually.
1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 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.
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. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.