It's details that we sometimes miss. The note at the top of Psalm 63 provides what is needed to understand

the circumstances surrounding this beautiful Psalm. King David was a fugitive from his own land and was

forced to flee into the wilderness because of the treachery of his third son, Absalom. The rebellion against his

father stemmed from a complex web of resentment, ambition, and familial conflict. He cunningly won the

hearts of the Israelites, declared himself king, and even publicly slept with David's concubines in a show of

power. This audacious uprising led to a civil war, where Absalom's forces were ultimately defeated.

David uses the metaphor of a parched body's desperate need for water to illustrate his yearning to feel the

presence of God. His sorrow stems not from threats to his political standing or life but from his involuntary

estrangement from the sanctuary where God is revered. Being away from the Lord's temple is like traversing a

barren, arid land devoid of water (Ps. 63:1). David's "soul thirsting" and his "flesh fainting" for God signifies

his profound longing for a spiritual connection with the Lord. During this difficult time, David faced the

possibility of losing his kingship, reputation, and even his life. Rather than complain, he turned to God and

found joy in knowing that the Lord was all he needed for a fulfilling life. David prayed to seek God's guidance,

found contentment, and resolved to cling to the Lord's steadfast love, which he believed was better than life

itself (Ps. 63:3). A SATISFIED SOUL SINGS AND CLINGS.

Outline:

Fainting flesh needs a faith that will cry out (v. 1a).

God sometimes uses the wilderness to wean us from worldliness (v. 1b).

Love draws the line between worship and idolatry (v. 2-4).

A satisfied soul cannot be silent; it has to sing (v. 5-7).

A soul that clings to God knows whose grip to trust (v. 8).

Salvation is settled by what the soul seeks (vv. 9-11).

Application:

Are you suffering in a dry and weary land?

What is your soul clinging to, and whose grip are you trusting?

Is salvation settled for you?

Questions:

Do you long for God? How strong is your desire for him currently?

How does God use trials in the wilderness to turn our hearts toward him?

Why do our hearts struggle with loving the gifts rather than the giver?

What means of grace are available to help our souls cling to God?

Why is it important to remember who is holding us?