As the Deer ...

 

Years ago, in college, I was a lifeguard for one summer.  I had to pass the lifesaving course taught by the American Red Cross.  And one of the things that they taught us was to avoid getting into the water to save someone if at all possible.  Throw them a life ring; throw them an air mattress; throw them anything that might float, but avoid getting into deep water with them.  But Why?  Well, when someone is drowning, they are so desperate for a breath that they will climb on top of their rescuer in order to get their head above water just get a gasp of air.  Instead of one drowning, two will drown.  In Psalm 42, the deer is being chased and is so tired that it just wants to pause and get a breath of air.  It just wants to stop and get a drink of refreshing water.  Psalm 42:1, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”  And just like a panting deer or a gasping swimmer, we Christians need the breath of heaven!  We need a fresh touch from the dear Lord.  We need God.