Psalms 42 (MSG)

11 verses · The Message · Contemporary paraphrase

The Message by Eugene Peterson presents the Bible in the rhythms and idioms of contemporary American English. More than a translation, it is a paraphrase designed to help readers experience Scripture's impact as if hearing it for the first time.

Psalms Chapter 42 contains 11 verses and is presented here in the The Message (MSG), which uses a contemporary paraphrase approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 150 chapters in Psalms.

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Chapter 41Chapter 43

1A psalm of the sons of Korah A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God.

2I'm thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, "Will I ever make it— arrive and drink in God's presence?"

3I'm on a diet of tears— tears for breakfast, tears for supper. All day long people knock at my door, Pestering, "Where is this God of yours?"

4These are the things I go over and over, emptying out the pockets of my life. I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd, right out in front, Leading them all, eager to arrive and worship, Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving— celebrating, all of us, God's feast!

5Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.

6When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you, From Jordan depths to Hermon heights, including Mount Mizar.

7Chaos calls to chaos, to the tune of whitewater rapids. Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers crash and crush me.

8Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer.

9Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God, "Why did you let me down? Why am I walking around in tears, harassed by enemies?"

10They're out for the kill, these tormentors with their obscenities, Taunting day after day, "Where is this God of yours?"

11Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.

Chapter 41Read in NIVChapter 43

About This Translation

What is Psalms 42 in the MSG?

Psalms 42 in the The Message (MSG) contains 11 verses. The MSG uses a contemporary paraphrase approach, first published in 2002.

How does the MSG translate Psalms 42 differently?

The The Message uses contemporary paraphrase, rendering the text as a modern paraphrase in contemporary idioms. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Psalms 42 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Psalms 42 (MSG)?

Psalms Chapter 42 contains 11 verses in the The Message. The book of Psalms has 150 chapters total.

Psalms (MSG) — All 150 Chapters