In Israel it can be dry for months. Animals, such as deer, almost die of thirst (Joel 1:20). Oh, where is fresh water to be found? This striking image is before the poet’s mind. Oh, how he longs for God (see Psalm 63:2). With all his being he longs for a sign of God’s nearness. Only then can he take on life again.
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.