As the Deer Longs for Water

Verses 1–10 · a downcast, thirsting soul

1. ^{verse 1}As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.
2. ^{verse 2}My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?
3. ^{verse 3}My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4. ^{verse 4}These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the festive procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise.
5. ^{verse 5}Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.
6. ^{verse 6}O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon — even from Mount Mizar.
7. ^{verse 7}Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me.
8. ^{verse 8}The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.
9. ^{verse 9}I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”
10. ^{verse 10}Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Verse 11 · hope in God spoken before it is felt

1. ^{verse 11}Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.