The powerful poetry of Psalm 42 comes to a crescendo in verse 7, which says:

Deep calls to deep at the thunder of your cataracts; all your waves and your billows have gone over me.

The image of being overwhelmed by mighty waters expresses the feeling of the Psalmist, who has already spoken of how his soul is “cast down.” The “waves and billows” going over are a picture of one trouble after another crashing down upon a person. But what is the meaning of the phrase, Deep calls to deep?

The Hebrew word translated “deep” – תְּהֹ֣ום tehom – refers specifically to the depths of the ocean, which ancient Hebrews considered unfathomable. The image speaks to anyone who has been in times of struggle or yearning when it is hard even to define what one is feeling, much less to perceive which way one should turn. The words of Romans 8:26 come to mind – “We do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” In the depths of our soul we connect with the depths of God. There is an interesting parallel between Psalm 42:7 and the story of Jonah, which is our current focus in the Sunday sermon series. Jonah also speaks of being cast “into the deep” and says, “all your waves and your billows passed over me.” (Jonah 2:3) But what Jonah discovers in the depths is that he is not abandoned; God is at work with saving power. So we are encouraged to keep on in faith, knowing that no matter where we are in life, God is with us.

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