Psalm 63

What’s Happening?

Enemies are out to destroy both David’s life and reputation. They spread rumors about him and make attempts on his life. David’s forced into hiding in the arid desert of Judah. Though David suffers from a lack of water and protection, he uses these needs to reflect on his more desperate need for God. His body pants for lack of water, but his eyes scan the wasteland for any sign of his Lord (Psalm 63:1). He knows God can quench his thirst better than any spring.

In his longing, he remembers the times when he saw God’s glory and power (Psalm 63:2). He saw God fight on his behalf in battle. And he experienced God’s blessing and presence when God’s ark was stationed in his city (2 Samuel 5:24, 6:13-14). 

Thoughts of God fill David’s mind even in the late hours of night (Psalm 63:6). To him, God is not only a strong protector, but a beautiful lover. God’s love is better than life (Psalm 63:3). God can satisfy him with his presence like a wedding host delights his guests with rich food. David is confident that he will spend all his life praising the generous hospitality of the God who satisfies him so fully (Psalm 63:4-5).

Despite his circumstances, David does not concern himself with self-preservation. God has always helped him when he’s needed it. And he trusts God to continue to shelter him from desert heat and hide him from his enemy eyes (Psalm 63:7-8).

Even though he’s a hunted and vilified outlaw, David holds on to God’s promise that, one day, he will be king (1 Samuel 23:17). He knows God will not let his chosen king be exiled forever. He knows God will soon silence the lies his enemies throw at him. God will destroy his enemies (Psalm 63:9). God will use his sword and serve up the bodies of his conspirators to the jackals (Psalm 63:10-11).

Where is the Gospel?

Jesus is God’s final promised King. But like David, he also experienced desert thirst while his reputation was vilified for no reason. His enemies hunted him and scorned him all the way to his death. But like David hoped, God’s power and love raised him up and back to his throne (Ephesians 1:18-20). God’s love is stronger than death. And Jesus is better than life because he now offers eternal protection and satisfaction to his people, no matter their reputation (John 17:3).

Jesus is also quenching water to those who feel deserted and outcast. Once, Jesus comforted a woman whose thirst was a symbol for her need for God. For generations, she and her people had scanned the wasteland for signs of God’s coming (John 4:20, 25). She knew, her greatest need was God’s presence, and Jesus came to meet it. He offered water that would quench her deepest desire—to see God’s glory and beautiful love for her, an outcast (John 4:7). Jesus’ presence slaked her thirst better than any spring.

Jesus is a strong protector for the outcast and the outlaw. Jesus’ sword will serve up the bodies of our enemies (Revelation 19:21). He will silence the deceit of liars (Revelation 20:2-3). And give his people life after death. Jesus is also loving, living water to those in need. Like David imagined, Jesus will soon host us at his wedding feast and satisfy us with the richest portions of his love (Revelation 19:9). 

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see the God whose love is better than life. And may you see Jesus as the one who satisfies all who come to him for forever.