Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 63 – Seeking God in the Desert

 

Psalm 63 – Seeking God in the Desert

(Written by Daniel Wong)

Psalm 63. This is a psalm of David, written in the desert of Judah.

The desert describes a dry and arid environment away from civilization. While not the most comfortable of places, it is a fruitful destination for contemplation amidst the vicissitudes of life. It is here that David cries out to God in a state of deep emotional distress. The last verse suggest that he is already king. But a king in exile.

There is more than the physiological state need for water. For in the wilderness, David’s mind is drawn to the power and glory of God which he has witnessed at the sanctuary in Jerusalem. While he struggles physically away from the rich foods at the table of the king at Jerusalem, he continues to praise and thank God for satisfying him. More specifically, he is confident of God’s protection and vindication because he is God’s man.

In our own struggles and distress, are we confident of God’s love, presence and goodness towards us as his children?

Do we remain satisfied and continue in joyful praise of our Redeemer even when things go wrong?

David’s mind is drawn to the temple in Jerusalem which speaks of the presence of the Almighty God among the people of Israel. As we read this psalm and desperately seek God in the brokenness of our world, our minds are drawn to the cross of Calvary, outside the walls of Jerusalem where our dearest Saviour gave himself for us. Surely we can be confident of our ultimate and greatest redemption in Christ. To God be the glory great things he has done.

 

Let’s Read Psalm 63

1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,    
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
    I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
    and become food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
    all who swear by God will glory in him,
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

 

Let’s Pray

Gracious God and Heavenly Father, we come before your throne of grace in the desert of our earthly existence recognizing that it is you and you alone who can truly satisfy us and fulfill our deepest need. Father, like David of old, we long for you and we look to you – even in the night, for you are a good and faithful God. Father, we thank you for your loving kindness towards us in Christ, which is so much more that life itself. Help us and uphold us Lord when we face the struggles and pains of this life. Help us rejoice in the shadow of your wings even when it’s hard. We give you all glory and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

About the Heavenly Devotion channel

The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15. 

 

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)

 

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