“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.” Psalm 63 (NIV)
Just how strong is our desire for God’s presence? A soul that clings to Him is evidence of a soul that desires Him. A soul that sings of His praise despite the circumstances is a soul that desires Him. A soul that goes to bed thinking of Him and meditates on Him when awaking in the middle of the night is a soul that desires Him. A soul that knows the value of His goodness is a soul that desires Him.
In today’s passage, Israel’s King David has fled from his enemies to the safety of the Desert of Judah. Yet, despite the circumstances, David has not lost his desire for God. The desert becomes an inspiration for David’s hunger and thirst. He looks at his dehydrated environment and thinks about how refreshing the Sanctuary is when the presence and power and glory of the Lord comes in. He considers his desolate, harsh, malicious surroundings and remembers God’s goodness. He decides quickly that enjoying God’s goodness is better even than physical life. Then, David encourages himself by speaking to God: “As long as I live I will praise and worship you. I know you will satisfy my hungry soul and I will sing praises to you. Because you support me, I remember you at night and I will rejoice in your protection. No worries! No fear! My soul clings to you and you do not fail me. My enemies will be defeated and I will rejoice in you.”
What a desire for God! What faith! The enemy may chase us into places that seem hopeless, but our hope is in God. The physical circumstances may become desolate, harsh, and malicious, but we remind ourselves that God is good all the time. We cling to God because we know that He is our support and protection. The enemy is defeated! And I desire more of God. What about you?
Dear Father, thank you for your desire for us. Ignite in us a greater desire for you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your desire for God,