As the Deer Pants for the Water

I think I grew up singing this song, did you?   As the deer panteth for the water is how I learned it first, but later the language changed in it a wee bit. Today we’ll learn a bit about who the author is and how this song was created. 

Lyrics

As the deer pants for the water
so my soul longs after you
you alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you.

You alone are my heart’s desire
To you alone my my spirit yield.
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.

You’re my friend and you are my brother
even though you are my king.
I want you more than any other
So much more than anything.

Author and History

American born Martin J. Nystrom wrote As the Deer Pants for the Water in 1984.  He wrote the song after fasting for a spell.  He happened to read Psalm 42 and found himself bursting into song. Sharing the song with one friend led it to being shared with a group of young believers who then popularized it.  You can learn more about Mr. Nystrom on his website. 

Pondering On As the Deer Pants for the Water

Psalm 42:1 is the basis for this quiet song of praise. 

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a dearth of panting for the Lord.  I think I’ve been feeling the lack of being able to meet in church for a real service.  

This song reminds me of my first real love.  God minds me so much.  Cares for me deeply, it’s all I can do to return that love. I shouldn’t be letting the circumstances of life beat that down.  Part of me wants to say I need to pull myself up by my bootstraps, but I think this is something that I need to lean on the Lord with.  To let him remind me of how he is indeed my heart’s desire.  Letting him renew the depth of my love for him..