THIRSTING AFTER GOD (PSALM 63) by Trish Reimer

Observe: Psalm 63 has two sections to it.  The first section (verses 1 – 8) tells of David’s desire to seek after God and give Him praise.  The second section (verse 9 – 11) states David’s trust in God that He will have vengeance on his enemies and yet he himself will rejoice in God.

Interpretation and Application:  David wrote this while in the desert of Judah.  I think at one time we’ve all been in a place or situation where it’s hot, dry and dusty and all we can think of is getting something to drink.  David, while in the desert (and probably thirsty) thus turns his thoughts to getting something to quench his thirst, but it wasn’t a physical quenching of thirst, but rather a spiritual one.  He likens his thirst to that of thirsting after God.  Indeed, his whole body longed for God.  I’m not sure that if I were in his situation that I would turn my thoughts first to praising God and listing His attributes, but David knew his God and trusted Him completely.  He rejoiced in the fact that God’s love is better than life itself and that by praising God he would be more satisfied than with the best and richest of foods.

I can personally relate to David’s words in verse 6 – “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night”.  My husband David can attest to the fact that I am often awake for hours in the middle of the night.  It is then that I have my most meaningful prayer times with the Lord.  I would encourage you to do the same if you suffer from insomnia!

As most of you know, I teach voice and piano.  For me verse 7 speaking of “singing in the shadow of Your wings” (because You are my help) paints a beautiful picture for me of Christ protecting me, holding me, and staying close to me so that I can sing His praises without fear.  The people who disagree with me or who are against me because of my faith will be dealt with by God, so I need not fret about them.

Basically, Psalm 63 reminds us that through our praise and worship we have the power to overcome anything.  Our souls long for God and that God-sized hole that each individual has is only satisfied when we accept Christ as Saviour.  Only then can our thirst be satisfied.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to long for You. Help us to give You praise in all circumstances, sing and speak Your praises and show others that only You can quench our thirst and satisfy our soul.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Song: Psalm 63  Your Love is Better Than Life (Shane and Shane)