Pattern of the Psalms

“As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee.”  Psalm 42 (NIV)

History of David’s life - both overview of past and details of present conditions

• Shepherd - Youngest son of family

  • Lives in the wild, protecting sheep from bear and lions

• Anointed as king at a young age (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

  • Prophet Samuel: God sees David’s heart rather than outer appearance

• Defeats Goliath as a teenager (1 Samuel 17)

  • Defends God’s glory, relies on God’s power, and uses past training and experience of fighting animals

• Employed by King Saul (1 Samuel 18)

  • Musician and later military commander

• Close relationship with Saul’s family (1 Samuel 18)

  • Close friendship with Jonathan, married to Michal

• Hunted in the wilderness (1 Samuel 19-27)

  • King Saul’s jealousy

  • David’s father’s family and social misfits join him, allies with Philistines for awhile

  • Could have killed Saul twice but refuses to touch God’s anointed king

Relate to Psalm 42

• Words of fear and disappointment

• Anointed as king, but being hunted by the king instead

• Served King Saul faithfully as musician and army commander, but Saul is trying to kill him

• Could have killed Saul twice, but refuses to touch God’s anointed, but Saul feels no such qualms

Pattern of Psalm 42 (And many others)

• Pour out heart and feelings to God in prayer (pain, fear, joy, etc.)

• Turning eyes toward Him in the midst of life’s pain and challeges

• Lift voice in praise

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