July 30, 2024

What are you thirsting for?

Psalm 63

Tess Bragg
Tuesday's Devo

July 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 30, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 63:1

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 63

My Soul Thirsts for You

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

1  O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
3  Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
4  So I will bless you as long as I live;
    in your name I will lift up my hands.

5  My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6  when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7  for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8  My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

9  But those who seek to destroy my life
    shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10  they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
    they shall be a portion for jackals.
11  But the king shall rejoice in God;
    all who swear by him shall exult,
    for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 63:1–2 The song opens with passionate expressions of longing for God: earnestly I seek, my soul thirsts, my flesh faints. The singer misses his experience of God in public worship. The sanctuary is the place of corporate worship, and God’s glory is his special presence there with his people (see note on 26:4–8).

Study Notes

Ps. 63:3–4 The past tense remembering of v. 2 becomes a future expectation: my lips will praise you, I will bless you, I will lift up my hands. This happens because your steadfast love is better than life.

Study Notes

Ps. 63:6 in the watches of the night. The singer deals with sleeplessness by meditating on God.

Study Notes

Ps. 63:10 The enemies of God’s people will become a portion for jackals, a grim description of dead bodies lying unburied after a battle.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 63. This psalm opens as if it were a lament, yet it is mainly a song of confident expectation. The psalm helps God’s people gain confidence during times of trouble. It expresses confidence that they will be able to return to the sanctuary to worship God. The highest privilege a human can enjoy is to be a welcome member of the worshiping congregation. The references to “my soul” (vv. 1, 5, 8) express personal devotion to God.

Ps. 63:9–11 The song explains where the troubles came from: those who seek to destroy my life. For David, these were Israelites who rebelled against God’s choice of David as king (see the title). David, and those who respect his kingship, will not fall prey to these enemies but will rejoice in God.

S3:148 Psalm 63

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 63

Do you crave God more than you crave your favorite Sonic drink? With all the great gifts He generously gives, like a Route 44 Ocean Water, it's hard not to be distracted by the things we receive. When we do that, it's like thanking the cherry limeade for making your day great rather than the carhop on skates who made it for you. Gifts are great, but God's love is the greatest!  

Through this psalm, David uses hyperbolic language to describe his deepest heart's desire, which is the Lord. He says of God, "your steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:3). What a statement! It might seem obsessive, but I believe David has the right perspective. Being in awe and obsessing over God's love is the purpose of our existence. Our goal in this life is to know and love God and proclaim this great love for all to know.   

Raise your hand if you have ever striven after money, success, or security . . . both of mine are raised! When will we learn that "all is vanity and a striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14)? When we do as David did, "beholding [God's] power and glory" (Psalm 63:2), these gifts can turn from being a consuming addiction to an appreciated addition. Not to say that we aren't to "accept [our] lot and rejoice in [our] toil—this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19) Instead, we are to meditate on the love generously given from the Lord and live this out with the perspective that He alone is the greatest gift of all. 

How do we delight in Him above all, do you ask? David's order is perfect! We earnestly seek Him (Psalm 63:1), bless Him as long as we live (Psalm 63:4), praise Him with our joyful lips as we lift our hands to Him in song (Psalm 63:5), and remember and meditate on Him while on our bed at night (Psalm 63:6). 

This life is fleeting. Fortunately for us, God's love is 24/7, unlike Sonic's happy hour, which is only 2-4 p.m. We get a much better deal!

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. What has your heart been thirsting for? Has it been for the Lord? If not, what has it been for? (Take this time to confess.)

2. Is your heart in love with God? Do you get excited about Him? If not, what thoughts or feelings are disabling your heart from seeking Him? 

3. How would you describe your longing for the Lord? Is this statement true for you, "your steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:3)?

4. Does your heart long to be in His presence? Does your heart deeply desire to worship Him with the body of Christ?

Respond to Today's Passage

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Michael Scaman

Psalm 63:1 “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,” David is in a place lacking water but it's for God his soul thirsts to the point of fainting. This is the 3rd psalm now where David’s reaches toward and focuses on his reward more than his problems or clear physical needs of food or drink. Psalm 61, 62, and 63 all explore the personal relationship between the psalmist and God while also extending a communal aspect of worship and trust. In Psalm 63, the psalmist's personal longing for God becomes a model for communal worship. There will be some similarities with psalms early in book 2 and here. Both Psalm 42 and Psalm 63 share the theme of seeking and longing for God's presence, with both mentioning prayers or reflections during the night. Both have a deep thirst for God. While Psalm 44 speaks of hearing about the deeds of your right hand but not seeing it work out in their lives as they are persecuted "for Your name's sake" but Psalm 63 confidently looks forward to satisfaction from God's right hand. The right hand of God seen in Psalm 44:3, Psalm 45:4, Psalm 48:10, Psalm 60:5, and Psalm 63:8 in book 2. Jesus put at God's right hand fills this stronger than anyone. David points forward to King Jesus. Calls for Trust in the King memorialized long after David died point to trust in a greater than David. Psalm 63:11 “But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult”. Now this may refer to swearing in God. But it raises a point that there are places where the Psalms called for trusting in the anointed King. In Psalm 2, the phrase "Blessed are all those who trust in him" (verse 12) refers to those who put their trust in God's anointed king Coming up at the end of Book 2 there will be people from all nations trusting him where him refers to Christ. Psalm 72:17. All nations will be blessed and they will bless him forever. That trusting in and blessed by the king use David or Solomon as types to point to King Jesus This leads to a cases of trusting in God and blessing and being blessed by His anointed King Jesus. long after David or Solomon or Joseph or Boaz are dead, using their names as placeholders for the Messiah.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Tess. A deeper dive in relation to a trip to Sonic. You’ve got my approval…I mean that in a good way. According to the superscript. “A psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.” That would make Ziba the OG carhop 2 Samuel 16:1-2. And the first tip would have been 2 Samuel 16:4. Ziba might not get to see half of it (2 Samuel 19:24-30) but it’s still a pretty good tip. Another Psalm to sing in a later day Isaiah 40 sermon. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;     make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 The back story on Psalm 63, David is in wilderness running from his son Absalom. The psalm goes like this. But those who seek to destroy my life     shall go down into the depths of the earth;   they shall be given over to the power of the sword;     they shall be a portion for jackals.   But the king shall rejoice in God;     all who swear by him shall exult,     for the mouths of liars will be stopped. What that initially looked like from David’s perspective in the Samuel narrative. The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:32-33 A lot of symbolism in the death of Absalom. But right now I can’t quite get a picture of him sipping on a Sonic Flavorista Favorite “classic cruiser”-then wishing he’d ordered the “grape escape” instead. Loved this deeper dive. Thank you for making this point “through this psalm, David uses hyperbolic language to describe his deepest heart's desire, which is the Lord”. And this one too. “Raise your hand if you have ever striven after money, success, or security . . . both of mine are raised! When will we learn that "all is vanity and a striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14)?” Some say long flowing hair is a Hebrew picture of vanity. And Absalom caught in a tree by his hair then losing his mount is a picture of the line of David’s successors losing kingship over Israel. God, as their Shepherd, rather than a king, is the post exile message Isaiah 40:10-11.
SF

Shawn Foster

Thank you Tess! 1. I confess that more time with my grandkids is a longing. 2. Yes, my heart is in love with God! All to him I owe. His people are pretty lovable as well. 3. In His presence is fullness of joy. We are goal driven creatures, and he doesn’t leave us as “wandering generalities” He gives us purpose & meaning. To know him and make him known is our high and holy calling and privilege. Seasonally- the center of his will can be painful, but there is no better place. No happier hour(s) than spent with Him. While I have stumbled in many ways- God has answered prayer after prayer after prayer. I’m so glad we are on this journey together. Thank you for a super devotional!
MA

Maryann Adams

I loved this devo, Tess! Yes...walks in the woods...so much to discover! In thinking about spiritual thirst, my heart was warmed, filled with overwhelming gratitude to God. What a gift He can only graciously give. "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So then, it depends not on human will or exertion but on God who has mercy. (Romans 9:15-16) All the more I'm compelled to faithfully intercede for others, asking for God to graciously open hearts to pay attention and receive as Lydia did (Acts 16:14).
KH

Kathy Hempel Cox

Thank you for your devo. Psalm 63 is my favorite psalm, and your devo hit hard with great applications. I also appreciated the Sonic reference :)
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Tess. I sure enjoyed your Sonic references. Fun! 🥴🫢 Man, David had an intimacy with God that I don't have. I would like it, but my flesh sort of panics with the thought, "What would I have to give up to have that kind of intimacy? Or what would I have to do that I don't want to do?" Yuck. 😵‍💫 The Holy Spirit is holding up a mirror to my soul through this psalm, and I am reminded I am quite the mess. But I'm God's mess, and He's not done with me yet. `
JC

Jason Cromwell

I can honestly say I love God more than a Route 44 Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper. We live in a society where the most important thing about you is your Credit Score. I know many terrible people with perfect Credit Scores. Thank God, He judges our hearts and not our 401K or IRA.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. My heart thirsts for life and the good stuff it offers. My heart thirsts to know and to do things in life as the Lord prefers. 2. My heart loves what God prefers for us to do and have. My heart also loves what God provides. What God suggests and provides is exciting because it is all relevant and valuable in life. 3. I don’t long for the Lord because the Lord is always with each of us, loving and supporting us in everything we do in life. The Lord’s steadfast love initiated the world we live in today and the opportunities within it. 4. I feel I am always in the Lord’s presence. Going to church on Sundays helps me consider how I have done and my goals. Tess - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I agree with you, “ Fortunately for us, God's love is 24/7”. Excellent!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Oh Tess what a great devo! True confession as a mom in little land, I can often feel dependent on a treat like a Cherry limeade to get me through the next hour rather than the Lord. I’m in tears this morning as I am so thankful that God preserved David’s words in 63:6 reguarding what he thinks on at night while his enemies may attack. In this life stage of getting up with babies and littles at night; I am most prone to the enemies attacks. Meditating on the Lord and his help is the only way to get through the night!