As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts 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 thank any other,
So much more than anything.
I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.
As the Deer Video
As the Deer Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
As the Deer is an inspiring Christian worship song that resonates with believers around the world. Released by The Maranatha Singers, this timeless hymn captures the longing of the soul for God's presence. The lyrics, inspired by Psalm 42:1, beautifully express the deep desire to worship and seek God.
1. The Meaning behind "As the Deer":
The song's title and opening line, "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee," draw from the imagery of a deer desperately thirsty and seeking water. Just as the deer's longing for water is essential for its survival, the soul's yearning for God is crucial for spiritual sustenance and fulfillment.
The song emphasizes that God alone is the heart's desire and the ultimate source of strength and protection. By expressing the desire to worship and seek God, believers acknowledge their dependence on Him and their need for His presence in their lives.
2. Inspiration and Story behind the Song:
The lyrics of "As the Deer" were penned by Martin J. Nystrom in the early 1980s. Nystrom, a worship leader at a Full Gospel church in Illinois, found his inspiration from his personal spiritual journey and his deep longing for God.
During a time of personal struggle and searching, Nystrom turned to the Psalms for comfort and guidance. He stumbled upon Psalm 42:1, which reads, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." These words resonated deeply with his own experience and became the foundation for the song's lyrics.
Nystrom shared that the song was birthed out of a place of longing and desperation for God's presence. It became a heartfelt expression of his desire to draw closer to God and experience Him in a deeper way. The song quickly gained popularity and has since become a beloved worship anthem worldwide.
3. Biblical References in "As the Deer":
"As the Deer" finds its roots in Psalm 42:1, which speaks of a soul thirsting for God. Let's explore some additional Bible verses that align with the song's theme and further illustrate the soul's longing for God:
- Psalm 63:1: "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." This verse echoes the sentiment of the song, expressing a deep longing for God as a source of life and nourishment.
- Psalm 84:2: "My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." This verse highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from being in God's presence, a theme echoed in the song's chorus.
- Psalm 119:81: "My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word." Here, the psalmist expresses a longing for God's salvation and a confident hope in His promises. This echoes the song's theme of seeking God alone as the ultimate desire of the heart.
4. The Significance of "As the Deer" in Worship:
"As the Deer" has become a staple in Christian worship services, touching the hearts of believers across generations. The song's simplicity and heartfelt lyrics make it accessible to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds. Its universal message of longing for God resonates deeply with those seeking a closer relationship with Him.
The song has been performed in various musical styles, ranging from traditional hymn arrangements to contemporary renditions. Its repetitive and melodic nature allows worshippers to enter into a meditative and worshipful atmosphere, focusing on their personal relationship with God.
5. Tags:
- Christian worship songs
- Deep desire for God's presence
- Spiritual sustenance and fulfillment
- Longing and desperation for God
- Personal struggle and searching
- Beloved worship anthem
- Rooted in the Psalms
- Thirsting for God
- Joy and fulfillment in His presence
- Confidence in God's promises
- Accessible to all worshippers
- Universal message of longing for God
Conclusion:
"As the Deer" by The Maranatha Singers is a cherished worship song that continues to inspire and uplift believers worldwide. Its heartfelt lyrics, rooted in the Psalms, express the deep longing of the soul for God's presence and highlight the significance of seeking Him above all else.
Through its timeless message and melodic simplicity, "As the Deer" invites worshippers to enter into a place of deep connection with God. As the song resounds in churches and personal worship spaces, it serves as a reminder that the soul's longing for God is both innate and essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment.
As believers sing the words, "You alone are my strength, my shield... I long to worship thee," they declare their reliance on God and their heartfelt desire to draw closer to Him. May "As the Deer" continue to lead believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, as they seek His presence and find solace in His unfailing love.
