Thirsting for the LORD

Psalm 63: 1-8

The title for this particular Psalm is: A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of
Judah. Many believe that this was written during the time of Absalom’s rebellion, as David fled
for his life from his own son. Often as we think of David, we consider the fact that he was
chosen of God as king over Israel as a young man. We think of his reign, his character, a man
after God’s own heart, and also his fall with Bathsheba. But we cannot overlook the fact that
David spent much time in the wilderness. He knew what it was to face adversity and heartache
in his life. It was during those wilderness journeys that he learned to trust in the Lord.

This is an especially comforting Psalm. J. Vernon McGee described it with these words.
“It is an ointment that is poured out upon all kinds of sores. It is a bandage for bruises. It is a
balm to put upon wounds to help them heal.” It was widely used of the early church and held in
high regard among the early church fathers. They believed that no day should pass without the
public singing of this Psalm and it was always sung at the beginning of the morning worship
service.

Surely you would agree that this is a powerful and encouraging passage of Scripture. I
want to spend our time this morning considering the timeless principles revealed as we think
on the thought: Thirsting for the LORD.

I. David’s Privilege (1a) – O God, thou art my God; David was privileged to know the Lord
and this reveals a couple of aspects about his knowledge.

A. He Knew God Presently – We have already established that this was a most difficult
season of life for David. He was in the wilderness, on the run, as his son sought to take his life
and assume the throne of Israel.

 Even in his trials and adversity David was confident of the Lord’s presence in his life.
The world, and even those he loved, may have forsaken him, but God was ever present. David
realized that whatever the circumstance or situation, he could trust in the Lord being there for
him.

 You may be in the valley today. You might be in the midst of the worst storm that you
have ever endured, but you can depend upon the Lord. He is an ever present help in our times
of need.
B. He Knew God Personally – O God, thou art my God. There is nothing more powerful or
comforting to know than that which David new. He was not a God that was far off. He was not
a God whom only others served. He was not a God whom David was vaguely familiar with. He
was his God. David knew the Lord and he knew Him in a personal and intimate way.

 There is a lot that I do not know. There are many things that I cannot understand. But
there are a few things that I do know and I can rejoice in them. I do know the Lord in a
personal way. I am convinced that He is my God. I have placed my faith and trust in Him. He
has saved me and cleansed me of my sin. He is preparing and place for me and coming again.

 I do know that death is not the end for the child of God. I do know that this life is not all
there is. I know that those who have believed on the Lord have hope and assurance in their
God! Job 19:25-27 – For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth: [26] And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I
see God: [27] Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another;
though my reins be consumed within me.

I. David’s Privilege (1a)

II. David’s Passion (1b-2) – These verses reveal the passion that David possessed for the
Lord. There were a couple of things he desired.

A. Spiritual Saturation (1b) – 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; David desired to seek the Lord
early. He was his priority. It is apparent that David desired the Lord above all else. If he
received nothing else that day, he desired to receive the blessing and presence of God.

 This goes much deeper than a simple desire for the blessing of God. David wanted to
be filled with the Lord’s presence. He thirsted for the Lord; he longed for Him as one who dwelt
in a dry and barren land would thirst and long for a refreshing drink. David wasn’t interested in
a causal drink. He wanted to spend some time at the Lord’s well and drink his fill of the Lord’s
abundant supply. He wanted his soul to be saturated with the Lord.

 I fear that many today have a causal approach concerning the Lord. They seem to be
content with a casual drink once in a while. Most aren’t interested in drinking from His cup
each day. I am a candidate for all I can receive from the Lord. I am thirsty for Him. My soul
longs for His sweet fellowship and I desire to walk with Him. Ps.34:8 – O taste and see that the
Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
B. Spiritual Satisfaction (2) – To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the
sanctuary. David may have been in the midst of the wilderness, but he had not forgotten the
joy and satisfaction of being in the Lord’s presence. He hadn’t forgotten or gotten over
experiencing the power and glory of God as he worshipped in the sanctuary. He knew that
God was not limited to one place or time. He wasn’t near the Tabernacle, but he knew God
was still God and he longed to experience Him in a mighty way again! David was in the valley
and the only thing that could provide what he needed was a fresh touch from the Lord.

 Are you hungry for the Lord and His presence? Do you desire to experience His glory
as you have in the past? Is there a longing in your soul to feel the touch of the Holy Spirit once
again?

 I have experienced it before and I long for that again. I want to have my soul filled with
the power of God. I want to encounter Him in great and mighty ways. I long to see God move
among His people. I know that He has the power to meet our needs and transform lives and I
will not be satisfied with anything less!

I. David’s Privilege (1a)

II. David’s Passion (1b-2)

III. David’s Perception (3, 5a) – Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall
praise thee. [5a] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; David was in the midst
of a very difficult trial. One of his own sons had turned against him, seeking to take his life. He
had fled the comforts and security of home to dwell in the wilderness.

 It would seem that there would be very little to rejoice in. It would have been easy to
have grown discouraged and bitter toward God, but David kept a positive attitude. Rather than
focus on the trial, he focused on the blessing of serving the Lord. He chose to rejoice in the
Lord instead of abandoning his faith. David knew that his relationship with God was better than
life itself.

 David realized that God was bigger than the problems he faced. He realized that the
opportunity to worship and fellowship with the Lord far exceeded any problems he might have
faced. David knew that he may have been forsaken by those he loved, but he had not been
forsaken of God.

 Hardships and difficulties are something that we all must face. I’m certain that each of
us have endured a storm or trial while serving the Lord. The difference in the outcome of our
trials rests largely in the way that we react when faced with those trials. We can either allow
our burdens to make us bitter, or we can lean on the Lord and allow them to make us better.
 If we are to overcome and find the strength to rejoice while in the midst of adversity, we
must look at things from the proper perspective. Regardless of the trial we are facing, God has
not changed. He is still God and He is still in control. In fact, God is not surprised with what we
are facing. If we can learn to focus on the Lord instead of the trial, we will come out the valleys
of life stronger in the faith and closer to the Lord. We need to realize that our relationship with
Christ is of utmost importance and should be the priority!

I. David’s Privilege (1a)

II. David’s Passion (1b-2)

III. David’s Perception (3, 5a)

IV. David’s Praise (4, 5b, 6) – 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. For those who knew David’s situation it problem seemed as if there was little to
praise God for. His life was in danger; it may have appeared that he stood in danger of losing
the throne. He was no longer ruling from the comfort of the palace, but living as a fugitive
among the wilderness.

 In the midst of all this difficulty, David decided to praise the Lord anyhow. He realized
that God had not forsaken him. David maybe didn’t understand it all, but he was still alive and
as long as there was breath in his body, he was determined to praise the Lord. When he
considered all that the Lord had done for him, he had no choice but to praise Him. David
simply could not help himself; he had to praise God!

 Doesn’t that present a challenge to us today? Even in the valley God is good, and even
in the valley He is worthy of our praise! Heb.13:15 – By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of
praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Life may be
hard to bear at times, but even then we are blessed and obligated to praise the Lord!

V. David’s Protection (7-8) – These remaining verses reveal the secret to David’s peace in
the midst of adversity. He knew that he was protected by the sovereign hand of God. The Lord
was not unaware of his problems, his need, or his location. Let’s consider the divine protection.
We find that:
A. He was Guarded (7) – Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy
wings will I rejoice. Absalom may have sought his life, but David had no fear. God had proven
Himself faithful and able in the past and David was confident that He would provide again. He
had found a resting place in the shadow of the wings of the Almighty. He was covered by the
hand of God and defeat could not invade that fortress!

 Storms will come; winds will blow; life will bring situations that we had rather not face.
But even then we are secure in the shadow of His wings. (Illus. the wings of a hen and her
chicks.) He has covered us with His abundant mercy. We are secure in His mighty hand. He is
our portion and our stay. What could possibly come my way that the Lord would be unable to
handle?

B. He was Guided (8) – My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. This
has an interesting aspect. Following after the Lord involves more than just keeping Him in the
distance and in view. This has the idea of “to cling to, stay close, cleave, stick with, and join
to.” David wasn’t simply interested in knowing the way; he wanted to walk that way with God.
He desired to cling to the Lord and lean upon Him. He had determined that he would stay
close to the Lord and move as He moved. He knew as long as he walked with the Lord, all
would be well with him.

 That is simple and yet very profound. God knows the way that we are to travel. He is
there to lead and guide us, but we must stay close to Him. Sometimes the way is hard, even
though it is the way we must travel. I sure would rather walk those rough places clinging to the
Lord instead of trying to catch up with Him because I allowed distance between us.

 Where are you in the journey today? Are you facing a wilderness, in need of help? Are
you clinging to the Lord, walking with Him?

These verses have been a comfort as well as a challenge. We are privileged to know
the Lord. We ought to thirst for His power and presence. Life will have its share of difficulty, but
when we keep our focus we can rejoice. God is there to guard and to guide and we need to
offer our praise.

Is there a need in your life today? God is the answer for whatever you face or need.
Why not come today and bow at His feet. Just pour your heart out and tell Him what you need.
He already knows, but He likes to hear from us.