Hunger and Thirst
Psalm 63 (KJV)
1 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;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
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.
Hunger and Thirst
David wrote this song while he was in the desert wilderness, hiding from Saul. I imagine the harsh conditions he endured; the intense heat, the unbearable thirst and the desperate hunger. I expected to hear David crying out to the Lord for help with all these struggles. To my surprise and pleasure, I discovered that David instead hungered and thirsted after God.
He begins by saying “O God, thou art my God” (v.1). Early in the morning, he rises and seeks God’s presence, even in these terrible circumstances. His first thoughts are to praise and worship his God. He says, “My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is” (v.1). David longs to see God’s power and glory just as He had shown so many times before while in sanctuary. David reminds us that God is everywhere. We do not have to limit our access to Him to four walls or a designated place of worship. David still feels God’s lovingkindness here, which to him is better than life.
His closeness to God is better even than the natural life he had experienced, filled with an abundance of earthly pleasures in the king’s courts. These things cannot satisfy his soul’s longing for God. David states “my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live” (v.3-4). David continues his praise by lifting his hands: “My soul shall be satisfied” (v.5). David persists in praising God with his mouth from morning to evening, and beyond. He remembers God upon his bed and meditates on Him in the night watches. God has been his help and he shall rejoice in the shadow of His wings. David is sustained by God. His soul followeth hard after Him.
Here, as he often does, David now rebukes his enemies and warns them of God’s judgement against them. They shall fall by the sword. David, the king, and others shall rejoice in God. “But the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped” (v.11). David closes this song declaring and predicting a future time when he will return as king and have victory over his enemies.
I am amazed that David can turn his mind and heart away from his physical environment towards delighting in his God. This psalm illustrates the difference between being carnal minded, focusing on the flesh, and being spiritually minded, focusing on the goodness and blessings of God. This is certainly not easy to do when we are bombarded daily with the cares and duties challenging us. Lord, please help me to keep my mind stayed on you so you can keep me in perfect peace. Let my soul hunger and thirst after your righteousness.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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