O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. (63:1-2, NLT)
Regard:
David was in the wilderness hiding out from his son Absalom who was pursuing him. He was weary, lonely, thirsty. He missed public worship and he missed the companionship of people. He was not a young man at this point and had had many enemies, many times of hiding out and much history with God his protector and provider, so he turned his thoughts to the times he had seen God do miraculous things and display his glory and power in David’s life. At night when he was awake, he didn’t spend time counting sheep or trying other sleep-inducing methods but put his mind on God, he thought about the attributes and nature of his Lord and Shepherd.
When we are experiencing our own wilderness—no matter what it may look like: times of sickness, depression, family or marriage troubles, unemployment, financial distresses, loneliness, whatever their shape, we can do as David did, turn our thoughts to the character and promises of God, our Shepherd. Instead of counting sheep or tossing and turning we can turn to God and think of how he has shown his glory and power in our life, think of his great promises. We can let his love and care, which is better than life itself, satisfy and comfort us.
Reflect:
What words, phrases, or other parts of this psalm stand out to you? What in this psalm speaks to your heart right now?
How do you relate to what David is expressing in his prayer to God?
How does this psalm make you feel about God and your own circumstances?
Respond in Prayer and Application:
God, how should I respond to what is being highlighted in David’s psalm? How can I apply what I’ve read to my own life and circumstances? What are you inviting me to do through David’s prayer? Help me to take what is important from what I read and study in your word and to apply all the things and ways that are not only useful for me in my life but glorifying to you. Amen
Devotionally Yours 