Matthew 6:33 instructs us to “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added…” In this psalm, David says we should earnestly seek God.
“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.” Psalm 63:1
David compares this seeking to thirsting when you long for replenishment. Weary. No water. Suddenly, all other priorities fall subservient to your thirst. Your need consumes you. Seeking relentlessly. Jeremiah says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Whom else should we pursue? He is our God.
Does your flesh faint for God? We should embrace the teaching of David—and the teaching of Jeremiah and Jesus, as well.
Thirst. Faint. Seek. With your whole heart.
“So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:2-4
David seeks God looking upon him in the sanctuary. He looks to God and observes power, glory, and steadfast love. A theme throughout The Psalms, steadfast love is better than life itself. David praises, blesses, and lifts his hands in worship. Intently.
“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…” Psalm 63:5-6
Feasting upon God himself satisfies the soul like delicious food does the stomach. David’s soul rejoices and his mouth breaks forth in praise. He takes his joy into the night watch and he meditates upon God and seeks him further upon his bed.
“…for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:7-8
David is upheld by God as he clings to him. He hides under the shadow of his wings, and God has been his help. David’s praise service continues as he lifts his voice in joy before God. Regardless of the circumstances, David has found help, security, and joy in God.
“But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.” Psalm 63:9-10
In the face of circumstances, David’s opposition does not even stand a chance when he earnestly seeks God, when he beholds God, when he is satisfied by God, and when he lifts his voice in praise of God. When David hides under the shadow of God’s wings, enemies go down into the depths of the earth, given over to the power of the sword, and even become food for jackals.
In the face of loss and brokenness, you are wise when you seek God, behold God, find your satisfaction in God, and lift your voice of praise to God.
So, thirst for him and faint for him.
David rejoices in God and swears his allegiance. David sought God earnestly and he was satisfied. He tested God and found him faithful. Proverbs 3:5-6 remind us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
“But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.” Psalm 63:11
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