As a Deer Pants (Psalm 42)

Preacher: Anson McMahon

Summary

In his return from sabbatical, Pastor Anson dives into Psalm 42 to address a universal Christian experience: feeling distant from God, especially when life is hard. This sermon explores the honest struggle between what we know to be true about God and what our circumstances and emotions tell us, offering hope for those walking through seasons of discouragement.

Key Points:

• God wants us to understand our desperate need for Him.
• It's okay to not feel okay; God gives us permission to feel.
• In darkness, remember what God has revealed in the light.
• Feel your feelings, but don't always trust them as the ultimate truth.
• Don't surrender to your feelings; surrender to God.

Reflect & Discuss:

1. Have you experienced a season where your theology about God didn't line up with your experience of Him?
2. The psalmist intentionally remembers God's past faithfulness. What is one memory of God's goodness you can hold onto during a difficult time?
3. How can you practice "confronting your soul" (v. 5) by speaking God's truth over your feelings this week?

Main Passage: Psalm 42

Supporting Passages:

• 1 John 3:1
• Psalm 109:8
• Psalm 55:8
• Psalm 88:3