EGW WritingsPsalms 42

Christ’s Object Lessons

In the Last Days

COL 269.3

The closing scenes of this earth’s history are portrayed in the closing of the rich man’s history. The rich man claimed to be a son of Abraham, but he was separated from Abraham by an impassable gulf—a character wrongly developed. Abraham served God, following His word in faith and obedience. But the rich man was unmindful of God and of the needs of suffering humanity. The great gulf fixed between him and Abraham was the gulf of disobedience. There are many today who are following the same course. Though church members, they are unconverted. They may take part in the church service, they may chant the psalm, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1); but they testify to a falsehood. They are no more righteous in God’s sight than is the veriest sinner. The soul that longs after the excitement of worldly pleasure, the mind that is full of love for display, cannot serve God. Like the rich man in the parable, such a one has no inclination to war against the lust of the flesh. He longs to indulge appetite. He chooses the atmosphere of sin. He is suddenly snatched away by death, and he goes down to the grave with the character formed during his lifetime in copartnership with Satanic agencies. In the grave he has no power to choose anything, be it good or evil; for in the day when a man dies, his thoughts perish. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.)

The Retirement Years

“I Will Not Complain”

RY 139.3

O precious Saviour, I long for Thy salvation. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee” (Psalm 42:1). I long for a clearer view of Jesus. I love to think of His spotless life, to meditate upon His lessons. How many times I repeat the words, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Eyes Looking Heavenward, October 13

YRP 295.4

I must have the Spirit of God in my heart. I can never go forward to do the great work of God, unless the Holy Spirit rests upon my soul. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1). The day of judgment is upon us. Oh, that we may wash our robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb!—The Review and Herald, April 21, 1891.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 34, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 34, 1892, par. 2

Oh precious Saviour, I long for Thy salvation. “As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee.” Psalm 42:1. I long for a clearer view of Jesus. I love to think of His spotless life, to meditate upon His lessons. How many times I repeat the words, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 19, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 61

I put my trust in the Lord Jesus. I cry after God. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” [Psalm 42:1.] Here in the home, in my pain and suffering, I must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ. It is now that I must put my trust in the Lord. At times I can do little else than cling to Jesus, saying, I am Thy child. I trust in Thee. I have Thy pledged word, “My grace is sufficient.” [2 Corinthians 12:9.] Then relief comes, and I praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy.

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 77

O precious Saviour, I long for Thy salvation. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee.” [Psalm 42:1.] I long for a clearer view of Jesus. I love to think of His spotless life, to meditate upon His lessons. How many times I repeat the words, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 33, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 48

I put my trust in the Lord Jesus. I cry after God. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” Psalm 42:1. Here in the home, in my pain and suffering, I must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ. It is now that I must put my trust in the Lord. At times I can do little else than cling to Jesus, saying, I am Thy child. I trust in Thee. I have Thy pledged word, “My grace is sufficient.” [2 Corinthians 12:9.] Then relief comes, and I praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 81, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 34

The closing scenes of this earth’s history are portrayed before us in the closing of the rich man’s history. There are many who though church members are yet unconverted. These may take part in the church service, they may occasionally read a verse of Scripture for their testimony, they may chant the Psalm, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God;” but they testify a falsehood. [Psalm 42:1.] They are no more righteous in God’s sight than the veriest sinner. They do not praise Him with the heart or the understanding.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 283, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 283, 1904, par. 9

My brother, I want so much to see you standing where you can say, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God,”—not for the things of God, but for God Himself. [Psalm 42:1.] I greatly desire that you shall have the true God, not a God of your imagination, or of speculative philosophy. It is the true and living God for whom you should thirst. God invites you to draw near to Him. Humble your heart before Him, and if you will grasp His hand of infinite strength and power, He will be to you a shield against the enemy. But it is only in becoming a little child, to be educated in spiritual, sanctified, holy things, that you can break the power of the enemy. When you gain this experience, when as a little child you place yourself in God’s hands, determined to do His will at all times and in all places, He will manifest Himself to you as your sufficiency, the chiefest among ten thousand, and the One in whom you may always trust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 38, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 38, 1905, par. 16

We are to come to God in faith, and pour out our supplications before Him, believing that He will work in our behalf, and in the behalf of those who are seeking to save. We are to devote more time to earnest prayer. With the trusting faith of a little child, we are to come to our heavenly Father, telling Him of all our needs. He is always ready to pardon and help. The supply of divine wisdom is inexhaustible, and the Lord encourages us to draw largely from it. The longing that we should have for spiritual blessings is described in the words, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” [Psalm 42:1.] We need a deeper soul hunger for the rich gifts that heaven has to bestow. We are to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 152, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 152, 1906, par. 13

I wish, I hope, I pray that the Spirit of the Lord shall be graciously given to His people. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” [Psalm 42:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 124, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, par. 2

I am very thankful this morning for my good night’s sleep. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” [Psalm 42:1.] My heart inquires, What more can I do? I have given them Thy Word, but they turn their hearts from the truth. Even Thy ministers are drawn away from the truth Thou hast established, to believe falsehood; and when their own souls are under the cloud of satanic deception, they are drawing other souls into Satan’s snare. Oh, how my heart aches to see Dr. Kellogg so taken up with pleasing fables! Every soul thus deceived in turn will deceive other souls. It seems that I cannot hold my peace. I would cry out in the agony of my soul, Oh God, have compassion, and let not satanic agencies through human beings be wrought upon by mind upon mind. How long shall this terrible thing be tolerated? The Lord will not suffer His people to be deceived if they will not let their trust be placed in any human being. Here is where the mistake has been made. The medical missionary work has been sadly misinterpreted. The matter has been presented to me for the last thirty years as being overstrained and the ministerial work demerited.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Secret Prayer

GW 257.2

There is need of prayer, earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer, such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” “I have longed after Thy precepts.” “I have longed for Thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; Psalm 84:2.]

In Heavenly Places

Guard Jealously Your Hours for Prayer, March 19

HP 85.1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42:1.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 548—How Ellen White Bore Suffering

8MR 47.4

June 25—... I put my trust in the Lord Jesus. I cry after God. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” (Psalm 42:1.) Here in the home, in my pain and suffering, I must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ. It is now that I must put my trust in the Lord. At times I can do little else than cling to Jesus, saying, “I am thy child. I trust in Thee. I have Thy pledged word, ‘My grace is sufficient.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9.) Then relief comes, and I praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1405—Excerpts From Diary, July 6-31, 1892; Strong Expressions of Faith in Spite of Physical Trials

19MR 287.2

O precious Saviour, I long for Thy salvation! “As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after Thee” (Psalm 42:1). I long for a clearer view of Jesus. I love to think of His spotless life, to meditate upon His lessons. How many times I repeat the words, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Selected Messages Book 2

Meditations Through Days of Affliction

2SM 238.4

O precious Saviour, I long for Thy salvation. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee” (Psalm 42:1). I long for a clearer view of Jesus. I love to think of His spotless life, to meditate upon His lessons. How many times I repeat the words, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Sons and Daughters of God

Seek New Heights in Faith, November 12

SD 323.1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42:1.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

The Proper Way to Deal With Students in Our Schools

9MR 64.1

Let us seek God together. I want His Spirit. I long after Him. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after ... the living God” (Psalm 42:1, 2). I want, brethren and sisters, that we should come right to the cross and seek Christ and His love, mercy, and compassion, and see how He values the human soul. You can never measure it, except as you come to the cross. And, because not every soul is cast upon the same mold as yours, that is no reason that they are not worth anything. God has a work for every one of them; and we want to work for souls, to labor for them as those who must give an account, that in the judgment they shall not come to us and say, “You did not show any of the mercy and love and tenderness of Christ to me. If you had, it would have broken my heart.” We want our hearts to be broken—they are altogether too hard. Let them break, and let Christ put His mold and His superscription upon the soul. Then what shall we see? We shall see the mighty revealings of the Spirit of God as on the day of Pentecost. Then we shall be able to move others, to move the youth in the school. But in whatever branch of the work you are engaged, you can go singing all the way to Zion. Not that you will not have any characters around you hard to deal with—you will have them—but you can deal with them so much more easily because Christ is your Helper, because Christ is with you, and you are laborers together with God.—Manuscript 8a, 1891, pp. 1-10. (“The Proper Way to Deal With Students in Our Schools,” July 21, 1891.)

To Be Like Jesus

Plead for Wisdom and Power, January 14

BLJ 21.1

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1, 2, NKJV.

To Be Like Jesus

When We Thirst for Righteousness, Jesus Draws Near, November 29

BLJ 350.1

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1, 2, NKJV.

With God at Dawn

My Soul Thirsteth for God, July 21

WGD 204.1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8a, 1891, par. 31

Let us seek God together. I want His Spirit. I long after Him. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after ... the living God.” Psalm 42:1, 2. I want, brethren and sisters, that we should come right to the cross and seek Christ and His love, mercy, and compassion and see how He values the human soul. You can never measure it except as you come to the cross. And because every soul is not cast upon the same mold as yours, that is no reason that they are not worth anything. God has a work for every one of them; and we want to work for souls, to labor for them as those who must give an account, that in the judgment they shall not come to us and say, “You did not show any of the mercy and love and tenderness of Christ to me. If you had, it would have broken my heart.” We want our hearts to be broken; they are altogether too hard. Let them break, and let Christ put His hold and His superscription upon the soul. Then what shall we see? We shall see the mighty revealings of the Spirit of God as on the day of Pentecost; then we shall be able to move others, to move the youth in the school; but in whatever branch of the work you are engaged, you can go singing all the way to Zion. Not that you will not have any characters around you hard to deal with—you will have them—but you can deal with them so much the more easily because Christ is your Helper, because Christ is with you, and you are laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 9, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 9

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] He is the Prince of heaven. In our behalf He could say, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.” [Psalm 42:1, 2.] Here is the power that He receives, to impart to whose who receive Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Will those who claim to be His disciples try to understand this?

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 35.3

There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts;” “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; 84:2; 119:20.] This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist. Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God.” [Daniel 9:19.] This is what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” [Luke 22:44.] In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip-service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.

GW92 36.1

Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of his will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is. They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus Christ, and have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart. Praying and sinning, sinning and praying, their lives are full of malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. The prayers of this class are an abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul, and affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before thee,” said David, “and my groaning is not hid from thee.” “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me.” [Psalm 38:9; 42:2, 4.]

In Heavenly Places

Fervent Prayer, March 7

HP 73.3

There is need of prayer—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts”; “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments” (Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; Psalm 84:2; 119:20). This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist....

HP 73.5

Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His will.... True prayer engages the energies of the soul and affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before thee,” said David, “and my groaning is not hid from thee.” “My soul thirsteth for God....” “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me” (Psalm 38:9; 42:2, 4).8Testimonies for the Church 4:533-535.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 72, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 72, 1903, par. 2

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. ... Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of Thy waterspouts; all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast Thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:1-3, 5, 7-11.]

The Upward Look

Hope Thou in God, July 27

UL 222.1

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 20, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 1

[I see] from your letter that you are in a state [of unbelief, questioning] whether there is hope in your case. As [Christ’s ambassador,] I would say to you, “Hope thou in God.” [Psalm 42:5.] He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Now cannot you take courage from this gracious promise? Satan may tell you many times that you are a sinner, but you can answer, “True, I am a sinner; but ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’” [1 Timothy 1:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 67, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 67, 1893, par. 10

But the Chief Shepherd, whose sheep we are, knoweth every one of us. He hath weighed every burden, and no one knoweth the weight. Let no one feel that they have no sympathy. You have the tenderest, most loving sympathy. Christ is acquainted with all our infirmities and wants our confidence. “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” [Psalm 42:5.] Listen to His precious words to His disciples as He was about to leave them: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.] What a blessed subject for our contemplation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 85, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, par. 6

I am watching and waiting for the coming of my Lord. I have not only to wait and watch and pray, but must work most diligently as well. Every action of our lives, in our business transactions with our fellow men, is to be regulated by the law of God, and we cannot then swerve from right and justice toward our fellow men under any circumstance, for the Lord will not serve with any man’s sins that would injure his neighbor. With our faces heavenward, breathing out our petitions to God, developing an unselfish love for our fellow men, because we have supreme love for Jesus Christ who has bought them with His own blood, we rise superior to the most grievous, subtle temptations. Humble dependence upon God is our surety and our power. “My soul, wait thou upon God, who is the light of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 13, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 13, 1904, par. 9

The Lord will be with you, I know. We pray for you night and morning, and we feel of good courage in your behalf. Many prayers are ascending to heaven for you. Do not look on the dark side; for by beholding we become changed. Think of the mercy, the goodness, the unfailing compassion and love of our God, and of the blessings that He has bestowed on us. “Hope thou in God;” “wait patiently for Him;” “and He shall bring it to pass.” [Psalm 42:5; 37:7, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 32, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 32, 1909, par. 1

I hope you will not be discouraged, but have faith in God. At times your experience may be hard to understand; but wait upon God; “hope thou in Him.” [See Psalm 42:5.] He understands all about us and His work. Let us have faith in God, and fear not. I entreat you to believe and pray. Seek to work out the Lord’s plans.

In Heavenly Places

Trust When You Make Mistakes, April 27

HP 124.5

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:7-11).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 265, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 265, 1904, par. 15

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of Thy waterspouts; all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me.” The psalmist was filled with awe, but with faith and confidence in God he continues, “Yet the Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:7, 8, 11.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1498—State of the Work in Ohio; General Conference to Establish and Control Medical Institutions; Physicians to Be Models of Morality

20MR 378.5

The great disappointment in 1844 was a trying ordeal. They had not the light that would have enabled them to discern the reason of their disappointment. Some gave up the Faith; others held to their past experience but became bewildered in regard to their position after 1844. They were exposed to temptation and received various errors as Bible truth. But I was shown that the Lord would, in His providence, clear away the rubbish of error and reveal to them the jewels of truth. These would be gladly received by many, and the harps that had been left tuneless would be taken from the willows and again give forth sweet music. Many will discover the lost links in the chain of truth, and they will see a beautiful harmony in the whole. They will have a fresh experience, being assured that He whom they trusted has not forsaken them and left them in darkness. “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me” [Psalm 42:8].

With God at Dawn

In the Night His Song Is with Me, July 17

WGD 200.1

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psalm 42:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 22, 1890, par. 4

The great disappointment in 1844 was a trying ordeal. They had not the light that would have enabled them to discern the reason of their disappointment, some gave up the Faith; others held to their past experience, but became bewildered in regard to their position after 1844; they were exposed to temptation, and received various errors as Bible truth. But I was shown that the Lord would, in His providence, clear away the rubbish of error and reveal to them the jewels of truth. These would be gladly received by many, and the harps that had been left tuneless would be taken from the willows, and again give forth sweet music. Many will discover the lost links in the chain of truth, and they will see a beautiful harmony in the whole. They will have a fresh experience, being assured that He whom they trusted has not forsaken them and left them in darkness. “The Lord will command his loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me.” [Psalm 42:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 37, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 37, 1893, par. 4

Afflictions are oft mercies in disguise. We know not what we might have been without them. When God in His mysterious providence overthrows all our cherished plans, and we may receive sorrow in the place of joy, we will bow in submission and say, “Thy will, O God, be done.” We must and we will ever cherish a calm, religious trust in one who loves us, who gave His life for us. “The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? ... Why art thou cast down O my soul? Why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:8, 9, 11.]

Reflecting Christ

Enjoying Life’s Real Pleasures, May 26

RC 160.1

I shall ... praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 32, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 11

I have risen at half past three this Thursday morning to write to you, and I want you to come out of the cave of unbelief and rejoice in the precious light of the Sun of Righteousness. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I will praise Him, who is the hope of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 51, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 3

God has given you moral powers and religious susceptibilities. He hath delivered up His own Son as a propitiation for our sins. He is our Redeemer. He manifests to us the light, the truth, and the way, and He requires you to fulfill the Scripture, “Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the light of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.] The Lord gives you His Holy Spirit, and supplies providential opportunities and facilities for the training of your mind. This is done independently of you, and the matter will end here, unless when tempted you draw nigh to God, and co-operate with Him by believing that He saves you now, whatever may have been your past history.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 110, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 4

At these gatherings the people were to show gladness and joy, expressing their thanksgiving for their privileges and the gracious treatment of their Lord. Thus they were to show to a world that knew not God that the Lord does not forsake those who trust in Him. With joyful voices they were to sing, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul; and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 322, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 322, 1906, par. 6

My sister, if you would obtain precious victories, face the light that emanates from the Sun of righteousness. Talk hope and faith and thanksgiving to God. Be cheerful, hopeful in Christ. Educate yourself to praise Him. This is a great remedy for diseases of the soul and of the body. “I will praise the Lord who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.] We will, in His unclouded brightness, lose all repining and despondency. Praise the Lord for His loving-kindness to the children of men.

The Ministry of Healing

Sing Praises

MH 255.4

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope thou in God:
For I shall yet praise Him,
Who is the health of my countenance,
And my God.” Psalm 107:1, 2; 105:2, 3; Psalm 107:9-15; 42:11.

The Upward Look

Cheer Up! Speak Words of Courage, October 19

UL 306.1

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11.

This Day With God

What to Do With Depression, October 23

TDG 305.6

If you would obtain precious victories, face the light that emanates from the Sun of Righteousness. Talk hope and faith and thanksgiving to God. Be cheerful, hopeful in Christ. Educate yourself to praise Him. This is a great remedy for diseases of the soul and of the body. “I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5).—Letter 322, October 23, 1906, to the wife of a church leader in Australia.

To Be Like Jesus

In Every Situation Jesus Gives Fresh Blessings, November 17

BLJ 338.1

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 3, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, par. 31

Say to your soul, “Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.] By precept and example encourage faith, confidence, assurance. This is the work of the Comforter, and it is your work to co-operate with God’s agencies. A discouraged man can do nothing to uplift others. A discouraged church can only sow doubts, complaints, and disaffection. Let all this be cleansed from us. Cease to look to the darkness; look to the light, rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 54a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 54a, 1894, par. 28

There is a work to be done in Queensland, in the regions beyond. This is a new world, and as yet it has had little of my labors. The work that has been begun needs to be carried forward; and God alone can give us the efficiency, the courage, the determination to stick to the work, and to do that which we have a knowledge must be done. We are not to fail nor to be discouraged. If the Lord tells us that it is our duty to leave this field, and to enter a new field to meet with the prejudice, the envy, the jealousy, the distrust, and the suspicion which there exists, we will do it; for we feel like devoting our time, our strength, and all there is of us to the work of God. We are in His hands to do His bidding. The Lord has heard prayer in my behalf. I am improving in health and strength, and my heart says, “Praise the Lord, who is the health of my countenance and my God.” [See Psalm 42:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 4, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 4, 1894, par. 10

Do your best, my brother, do your best, relying wholly and entirely upon the power of God. And now I would say in the words of the Psalmist, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him who is the light of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.]