“THE PSALMIST’S THIRST FOR GOD” PSALM 63:1-11

The superscription for this psalm reads, “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.” In an arid wilderness, away from the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (II Samuel 15:25), David’s soul thirsted for God. As believers in this age of grace, it should always be our desire to have and maintain fellowship with our God; because really, our souls cannot be satisfied with the pleasures of this life. David’s soul found complete satisfaction with God and Him alone, for Psalm 42: 1-2 states, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”

In verses 1-2, David reveals the longing of his soul for God. Observe as he declares “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” (v. 1). David was very passionate about the God he  worshiped. In the preceding psalm, Psalm 62:5-8 he also says, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.”

Although David was away from the sanctuary in Jerusalem, David found complete satisfaction in praising God (vv. 3-6). Being completely focused on the person of God, David’s praise was absolute as he states, “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee” (v. 3).

David reveals that he could praise God because He was his support and strength (vv. 7-8). Thinking of the Lord’s goodness toward him, David could do nothing short of exalting God, “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice” (v. 7).

This psalm concludes with David praising God for he knew that God will destroy his enemies (vv. 9-11). “But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped” (v. 11). May God Bless!