Steffany Gretzinger - As The Deer Lyrics
Lyrics
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
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 Thee
You're my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
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 Thee
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
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 Thee
I am longing
I am longing
I am longing
Video
Steffany Gretzinger- As The Deer (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Steffany Gretzinger's rendition of "As The Deer," released on November 5, 2021, as part of her album *Faith Of My Father*, offers a profound spiritual journey for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the divine. This timeless worship song, originally a paraphrase of Psalm 42:1-2, takes on a fresh, contemplative depth through Gretzinger's interpretation, centering entirely on the soul's desperate longing for God. Its message is a direct echo of the psalmist's cry: "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee." This opening line immediately establishes the central theme, portraying spiritual thirst not as a casual preference but as an essential need, much like a parched deer requires water for survival. It brings to mind other scriptural yearnings, such as Psalm 63:1, where David declares, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." The song invites us to acknowledge this foundational human yearning for our Creator, a longing that nothing else in the world can truly satisfy, as Jesus described Himself as the living water in John 4:14, promising eternal satisfaction to those who drink.
The song’s simplicity in its lyrical structure allows for an intense focus on devotional truth. When the lyrics state, "You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee," it articulates a singular devotion. This isn't just one desire among many; it declares God as the *ultimate* desire, echoing Psalm 73:25: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." This sentiment becomes the wellspring from which worship flows naturally. Furthermore, the declaration, "You alone are my strength, my shield; to You alone may my spirit yield," reinforces absolute dependence. This truth resonates deeply with verses like Psalm 18:2 and Psalm 28:7, which proclaim God as our rock, fortress, and protector. The act of yielding one's spirit signifies surrender, a profound trust that relinquishes self-reliance for divine guidance and protection, mirroring Proverbs 3:5-6 to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." It's a surrender born not of weakness, but of an understanding of God's sovereign power and unfailing love.
One of the most moving aspects of the song is the intimate confession, "You're my friend and You are my brother, even though You are a King." This line beautifully bridges the gap between God's majesty and His accessibility. While He remains the supreme King, worthy of all reverence, He also invites a personal, relational bond. Jesus Himself called His disciples friends in John 15:15, and through Christ, we are adopted into God's family, making us co-heirs and calling Him our "brother" (Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:5-7, Hebrews 2:11). This paradox of divine authority and profound intimacy makes the love declared, "I love You more than any other, so much more than anything," profoundly significant. It is a love that transcends all earthly affections and possessions, reflecting the greatest commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30). The song drives this home by repeatedly emphasizing "You alone," underscoring that God is uniquely qualified to fulfill these roles in our lives – as our desire, strength, shield, friend, brother, and King. The repeated phrase "I am longing" at the song's conclusion isn't a mere repetition; it's a deep, continuous breath of spiritual aspiration, affirming that this yearning for God is an ongoing state, a perpetual posture of the soul seeking deeper communion. It’s a powerful invitation to allow our own souls to echo this eternal longing for the one who satisfies all thirst.