Psalm 63: Delight in the Lord

​Key Verse
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.
 
Meditation
Worship in the wilderness overflows from a heart satisfied in Jesus. 
 
The historical background of today’s reading is 2 Samuel 15:13-37, David fleeing for his life when his rebellious son Absalom revolted to take the kingdom. David’s words of worship detail (at least) three ways God’s people can enjoy the Lord in the midst of excruciating circumstances.
 
Desire (1-4): Devastating circumstances reveal the thirst of our soul for God, or lack thereof. To desire things other than God Himself is to remain weary in the wilderness. To God alone will “we lift our hands”, surrendering to Him for soul satisfaction.
 
Delight (5-8): Our soul finds satisfaction when we delight in the word and work of the Lord. A delighting heart rests and meditates on God’s promises, finding refuge “in the shadow of His wings”. By God’s presence and promises believers can sing for joy in the storms of life.
 
Defense (9-11): In life’s wildernesses, God’s people trust God for defense. Enemies of God’s king will be “given over to the sword” and the “mouths of liars will be stopped.” The king and His people will rejoice in God- exulting in God for His defense.
 
The gospel frees believers to worship in the wilderness. Jesus is the true King who went into the wilderness as our representative- desiring the Father, delighting in His will, and trusting Him for defense even as He gave Himself over to death. Jesus defeated God’s enemies so believers can be forgiven and freed to trust Jesus for defense, delighting in Jesus and His work, as we desire Jesus above all else.
 
 
Today’s Reading
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.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
 
 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. 9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially David’s delight and desire for the Lord during devastating circumstances?
 
-What do the difficulties of your circumstances reveal about where your heart looks for defense, where you are delighting, and what you truly desire? How are those things working for you?
 
- The gospel frees you to look to Jesus alone for your defense, desire, and delight. Where, specifically, do you need to look to the word and work of Jesus for these realities to be real to your heart?
 
Key Verse
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.