Jesus Christ...

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so I long for you, O God.

I thirst for God, the living God.

When can I come and stand before him?

Day and night, I have only tears for food,

while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,

"Where is this God of yours?"

My heart is breaking

as I remember how is used to be:

I walked among the crowds of worshipers,

leading a great procession to the house of God,

singing for joy and giving thanks--

it was the sound of a great celebration!

Why am I discouraged?

Why so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again--

my Savior and my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,

but I will remember your kindness--

from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,

from the land of Mount Mizar.

I hear the tumult of the raging seas

as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.

Through each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,

and through each night I sing his songs,

praying to God who gives me life.

"O God my rock," I cry,

"Why have you forsaken me?

Why must I wander in darkness,

oppressed by my enemies?"

Their taunts pierce me like a fatal wound.

They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"

Why am I discouraged?

Why so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again--

my Savior and my God!

O God, take up my cause!

Defend me against these ungodly people.

Rescue me from these unjust liars.

For you are God, my only safe haven.

Why have you tossed me aside?

Why must I wander around in darkness.

oppressed by my enemies?

Send out your light and your truth;

let them guide me.

Let them lead me to your holy mountain,

to the place where you live.

There I will go to the altar of God,

to God--the source of all my joy.

I will praise you with my harp,

O God, my God!

Why am I discouraged?

Why so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again--

my Savior and my God!