At times, I am overwhelmed by sadness when I feel like God is not near.  I realize, through all the difficulties of life, that He is always beside me, waiting, quietly, for me to reach out to Him.  Psalm 42, Book II, tells us to reach out in hope and love, sing His praises, and be comforted by His presence.

 Psalm 42   

My soul wants God just like my heart wants water.

I seek the living God, waiting to be called to Him.

My tears fall all day and night, and I cry out, “Where are You, Lord?”

I go with the masses to God’s house and joyfully sing praises.

Why am I sad, for in God, I find hope and His shining face?

I remember God in the land of Jordan and among the Hermonites from Mizar.

Deep within the oceans, God’s waves and billows wash over me.

The Lord commands love and kindness in the day, and His song is within me at night, when I pray for my life.

God is my rock when I feel forsaken,  and my tears cry over my enemies.

My enemies taunt me about where God is as their words sting like swords in my bones.

Sadness lingers in my soul, but I hope in God, whose face shines on me and whom I praise.

Anna Hartt