Hey, Beautiful Souls!
Today, March 20, 2025, we’re knee-deep in Lent—a season that started with ashes on March 5 and carries us to the Alleluia of April 19. It’s a sacred 40-day stretch where we peel back the layers, face the quiet, and let our hearts wrestle with what matters. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like my soul’s wandering through a desert, parched and pleading for something—Someone—to fill it up.
That’s where Psalm 42:1 steps in like a cool stream breaking through the dust. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s speaking straight to our longing for God during this “Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia.” So, grab your journal, your coziest blanket, and maybe a mug of something warm—let’s sit with Jesus and quench our thirst together.
Scripture Quote: Psalm 42:1 (NIV)
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
This verse stops me in my tracks every time. It’s not a tidy little prayer—it’s a desperate cry, a soul laid bare. The psalmist isn’t pretending everything’s fine; he’s admitting he’s thirsty, aching for God’s presence in a way that feels almost physical. But let’s dig into the roots of this beauty for a second.
Psalm 42 is part of the first “book” of Psalms (Psalms 1-41 make up Book I, and 42 kicks off Book II). Scholars think it was written by the sons of Korah—a group of Levites who served as temple musicians and gatekeepers back in the days of King David (1 Chronicles 6:31-33). These weren’t just random poets; they were worship leaders, set apart to sing God’s praises.
The setting? Likely exile or some serious distance from the temple—check out verse 4, where the psalmist remembers leading processions to God’s house but now feels cut off. That “deer panting for streams” isn’t just poetic flair; it’s a nod to Israel’s dry, rugged wilderness, where water was life or death. Deer (or hinds, as some translations say) were common in those hills, and their frantic search for a wadi—a seasonal stream—mirrors the psalmist’s spiritual desperation. This isn’t a casual “I miss You, God”—it’s a gut-level need, penned during a time when God’s presence felt far off, a time of great distress and distance from the temple.
And here’s a cool nugget: the Hebrew word for “pants” (ta’arog) literally means to long for or crave intensely—it’s used only twice in the Old Testament, once here and once in Joel 1:20, tying it to that same raw, animal-like yearning. So, when the sons of Korah wrote this, they were pouring out a real, lived ache—a longing for God that echoed through their music and straight into our hearts thousands of years later. It’s wild to think this cry from ancient Israel still hits us square in the chest, right? Let’s dive into what this means for us, especially as we navigate Lent’s dry and dusty roads.
A Thirsty Soul in a Dry Season
Imagine a deer, tongue out, sides heaving, stumbling across a cracked, sun-scorched landscape. It’s not giving up—it’s driven by this primal need for water, searching until it finds a stream. That’s the picture Psalm 42:1 paints for us: a soul so hungry for God it can’t ignore the ache. Lent has a way of bringing that thirst to the surface, doesn’t it? We give up chocolate or scrolling or whatever it is, and suddenly we’re staring at the empty spaces we’ve been trying to fill with everything but Him.
I love that this verse doesn’t dress it up. It’s not about having it all together—it’s about admitting we don’t. And isn’t that what Lent’s for? These 40 days from ashes to alleluia are a chance to strip away the noise and get honest about where we’re at. For me, that longing hits hardest in the stillness—when the kids are asleep, the dishes are done, and I’m left with my thoughts. It’s like my soul whispers, “Hey, remember Him? You need Him.” Maybe you’ve felt it too—that hollow spot only God can touch. Where do you feel that thirst creeping in right now?
Psalm 42:1 tells us it’s okay to want more. It’s not a flaw—it’s a feature. We were made to long for God, wired to seek Him out like that deer chasing water. And Lent? It’s the perfect season to stop running from it and start running toward Him.
Longing Meets Lent
Let’s talk about Lent for a second. From March 5 to April 19, 2025, we’re on this wild, beautifully broken journey—40 days that echo Jesus’ time in the wilderness. It’s not just about giving stuff up; it’s about making space. Space to feel, to reflect, to let that longing for God bubble up and pull us closer. Psalm 42:1 fits this season like it was written for it. That deer doesn’t quit until it finds the stream, and Lent dares us to do the same—to chase after God with everything we’ve got, even when we’re tired, even when the path feels dry.
Think about the ashes we wore a few weeks ago. They’re a reminder of our dustiness, sure, but also of our need for something eternal. By the time we hit Easter, we’re shouting “Alleluia!”—but getting there means wrestling with the thirst along the way. Psalm 42:1 is our companion, a little love note from God saying, “I see you. I’m here. Keep coming.” So, what’s your soul panting for in this moment? Peace in a world that won’t slow down? Healing for a wound that’s still tender? Lent’s your invitation to name it, hold it up, and let Jesus meet you there.
And here’s the kicker: this longing isn’t meant to leave us empty. It’s a compass, pointing us back to the One who satisfies. How’s that sitting with you today?
A Personal Drought: Longing for God
Okay, can I get vulnerable with you? Last week, I was fraying at the edges. Picture this: I’m home with my two dogs—who think barking at every squirrel is their full-time job—shuttling my 16-year-old granddaughter to and from school (she’s a breeze, honestly), and staring out at my pool and fountain that feel more like chores than peace lately. Oh, and don’t get me started on that flower bed—the weeds are winning, and I loathe pulling them.
I hadn’t cracked open my Bible in days—maybe longer—and it was catching up with me hence all the fraying at the edges. I was grumbling at the dogs, dreading the next weed-pulling session, and just… hollow. One night, I sat on the couch, staring at nothing, feeling this heavy, hollow ache. I didn’t even know what I needed until I grabbed my journal out of sheer desperation.
I flipped it open and scribbled “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God,” and something broke loose. My pen kept moving—words like “tired,” “lost,” and “help”—and I felt this lump in my throat. I was that deer, parched and pleading for a drop of grace. No choir of angels showed up, no big revelation. Just me, a messy page, and this quiet sense that God was sitting there with me, seeing me in my drought.
It’s funny—Lent’s supposed to be this intentional time, right? But I’d been coasting, letting life pile up until I couldn’t ignore the thirst anymore. That night shifted something. It wasn’t about fixing everything—it was about admitting I needed Him. Have you had a moment like that lately? Where the longing snuck up and demanded to be felt? Maybe it’s not dramatic for you either—just a whisper in the chaos. What’s your story with this?
Table of Contents
Creative Faith: Journaling the Thirst
Here’s where we get to have some fun, Creative Jesus Girls! Psalm 42:1 isn’t just words on a page—it’s an invitation to feel and create. Let’s lean into that spiritual thirst with our journals, our pens, our paints—whatever sparks your heart. Grab your Bible journal (or even a napkin if that’s what’s handy) and try this: sketch a deer standing by a stream. Doesn’t have to be perfect—let it be messy, like your soul feels sometimes. Add some watercolor blues for the water, maybe a little brown for the deer, and write the verse in your favorite curly script.
Or here’s another idea I’m obsessed with: trace your hand on the page. Inside it, jot down what your soul’s panting for—peace, hope, Jesus, rest, whatever comes up. Then, around it, doodle streams flow out, like God’s pouring into those places. It’s simple, but it turns that longing into something you can hold.
Not into drawing? No worries. Try scripture writing—copy Psalm 42:1 five times, each time with a different pen color. Notice how it feels as you write. Or cut out magazine words like thirst, water, and God, and collage them with washi tape. Creativity doesn’t solve the longing, but it gives it a voice. It’s like saying to God, “Here’s my heart—fill it.”
For my artsy girls, take it up a notch: paint a whole page with waves, then layer the verse in white gel pen. Let it dry and journal your prayers over it. How would you capture your thirst today? What colors, shapes, or words feel like your soul right now?
Living Out Psalm 42:1
So, we’ve named the thirst—now what? Lent’s not about sitting in the ache; it’s about seeking the One who quenches it. Here’s how we can live out Psalm 42:1 over these next few weeks, step by practical step:
- Pause and Name It: Carve out five minutes daily—before coffee, after bedtime, whenever. Sit still and ask, “Where am I longing for God?” Write it down, raw and real. Maybe it’s “I’m lonely” or “I’m scared”—no judgment, just truth. Pair it with Psalm 63:1: “My soul thirsts for you… in a dry and weary land.
- Seek the Stream: When the thirst hits, don’t scroll it away—pray it out. Even a quick, “Jesus, I need You,” counts. Or flip to Psalm 42:2 (“When can I go and meet with God?”) and let it guide you. Keep a pocket Bible or app handy for those moments.
- Create Space: Set aside 15 minutes twice a week to journal or craft with this verse. Light a candle, play some worship tunes (I love “The Deer’s Cry” for this), and let Psalm 42:1 anchor you. Try the hand-tracing idea or sketch that deer—make it yours.
- Lean In: Don’t shove the longing down—it’s pulling you to God for a reason. Share it with a friend over coffee, or whisper it in your journal. Read Psalm 42:5 (“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God”) and let it lift you.
These aren’t flashy—they’re doable. They’re about meeting Jesus in the dry places, one small step at a time. I’m starting with the pause this week—five minutes tomorrow morning. What about you? Which one feels like your next move?
Free Creative Resources
Dive deeper with my free Lent-themed resources, which can be found under Creative Resources on the menu above. You’ll find fun, beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits. Download it now and use these tools to grow in humility this Lent. Share your insights with #CreativeJesusGirl—I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want more? Explore full Scripture Journaling Kits on my Patreon!
Prayer When You’re Longing For God
Dear Jesus, You see us—these thirsty, beautifully broken messes panting for You. Thank You for not leaving us dry, for being the stream we’re stumbling toward. In this Lent season, pull us close. Flood the cracked places with Your peace, Your presence, Your grace. Help me and every precious soul reading this to chase You with all we’ve got, even when we’re weary. We’re tired, Lord, but we trust You’re enough. Quench our thirst, hold us tight, and let us rest in You.
In Jesus’ Name, We Pray,
Amen.
Final Thoughts and Connect with Creative Jesus Girl
Longing for God isn’t a weakness—it’s a gift. Psalm 42:1 whispers that we were made to seek Him, and Lent hands us 40 days to lean into it. From the ashes of March 5 to the alleluias of April 19, we’re on this journey together—thirsty, yes, but chasing the stream with journals in hand and hearts wide open.
About Creative Jesus What’s stirring in you after this? Where’s Jesus meeting you in your longing? Drop a comment below—I’m dying to hear! Share with a friend—hit those social buttons! Tag @CreativeJesusGirl on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn with #CreativeJesusGirl for more faith-filled encouragement. I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl living for Him and sharing my creative faith—have a peek at or join us on Patreon! Let’s keep seeking Him, beautiful souls!
