READ: Ps. 63:1–12: … my soul follows close behind You …
David expresses his intense longing for God, whom he loves: “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You.” This is covenant language, with an answering love toward God. The LORD had spoken first: “I am your God!” He gave Himself to Abraham and his descendants, and by grace they became His people (cf. Heb. 8:10). Then, just as in a marriage, a mutual, self-giving love arises.
The circumstances in which David finds himself are not favourable. He is probably fleeing from Absalom and is in the wilderness of Judah (2 Sam. 15 and 16), far from his own house and the temple where he is accustomed to serving the LORD, where the ministry of reconciliation takes place and thank offerings are brought. There he would be encouraged and comforted by “the power and the glory” of the LORD.
But now the way to the temple has been cut off, and he finds himself in harsh circumstances while men seek his life. For David this is a time of severe trials. Yet we do not hear a song of lament here, but rather a song of rejoicing. How is that possible?
Here we see the wonderful power of the Holy Spirit, who brings David’s heart to a longing love and faithfulness toward the Lord. He experiences that the LORD is also now near to him, and that His grace, love, goodness, and faithfulness are better than earthly life.
Precisely now that he has been forsaken by men, he knows with whom he can find help and comfort, wherever he may be. God’s lovingkindness causes ordinary life to fade into the background, for in Christ it is the beginning of eternal life.
Therefore David continues: “my lips shall praise You.” He clings to his God in the desolate terror of the wilderness with a song of praise upon his lips. Verse 8: “I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings.” He also knows himself, as the anointed king, to be victorious over his enemies (cf. Rom. 8:36–37).
This psalm is an exemplary expression of answering love toward the LORD, with the full confidence that with Him the outcome is always certain.
Why is the outcome with God always certain?
Sing: Ps. 63:2,3