Remembering My Dad, and One of His Favorite Songs

When my Dad was alive, one of his favorite church songs was called, “As the Deer Panteth for the Water.” I have always loved this song and decided to write down some of the lyrics and think about them this morning as I remembered my Dad.

After writing down the lyrics, I decided to go and read the whole Psalm from where the song originated (Psalm 42). To my surprise, it was also the Psalm where it asks, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:5).” This has been an encouraging verse I have gone back to time after time throughout my life, so I was pleased to realize that it was part of the same Psalm.

Reading this Psalm, and thinking about my Dad made me think about what a gentle soul he was. He loved animals and nature and appreciated both.

One story I think back to is how he used to patiently wait with a peanut in his hand, wanting a squirrel to come and eat from it. He did this daily for a while, until one day, the squirrel came and did just that. It ate from his hand. A squirrel would only eat from a gentle, loving person. I believe that animals can sense the spirits in humans.

I think that the reason my Dad liked the song that I mentioned so much was because of his love for nature. Thinking of the deer longing for God just as much as it longs for water paints a vivid picture in nature that brings our yearning for God to life.

It’s something my Dad taught me to have- an appreciation for God, and a need for him. For that, I will always be grateful.

Now, let’s all go have a great day!

Until next time, stay safe, and be blessed! 🙂

(I have written the lyrics down below for “As the Deer Panteth For the Water”)

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You are all that my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You

You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You