We often take others for granted. Be it our parents, our spouse, a co-worker or a neighbor, far too often we do not sing their praises as we should. Of course, it is not always nefarious reasons that cause us to do so. Many times it is because we merely have not taken the time to notice all they do. This causes us to become unsatisfied with them and our relationship with them. The same is true in our relationship with the Lord. When we stop and think about all He has done for us, we cannot help but praise Him! After all, He satisfies all of our needs!
That was the sentiment written in Psalm 63 by David in the wilderness of Judah. The Psalm is about seeing God in difficult times and praising Him even in those difficult times, realizing only with Him can we be truly satisfied. It seems to have a “See and Say” pattern. That is, he talks about what the Psalmist has seen of God and how each of those attributes/actions cause him to praise God by mouth. Notice:
PRESENCE AND PRAISE (1-2). He SAW God’s glory and PRAISES Him. In a desert, he is thirsting for God. In times past, he has been to the place of worship and praised God. Though in a position that would seem to be the exact opposite, he still desires to praise God because of what he has seen.
LIFE AND PRAISE (3-5). He SEES God’s faithfulness and PRAISES Him. The loving kindness or faithfulness of God is better than anything in this life. After his life has been turned upside down, after those he has loved has turned against him, the Psalmist knows the only sure thing in life is the Lord. So, he praises the Lord. He does so by giving his life to God (see Romans 12:1). Even though he has neither, being able to trust in the Lord is as good as being filled with the finest of foods. Thus, he will praise the Lord in times of want, for with the Lord he has no wants.
PROVISION AND PRAISE (6-8). He SEES God provide for his needs and PRAISES Him. At night, when he is most vulnerable, God protects him. What a great blessing to drift off to sleep by thinking of all God has helped him through. He is under the protection (in the shadow of wings) of the Lord. He praises Him. He will cling to God. The word is the same as in Gen. 2:24 (husbands are to cleave to their wife). It means to be glued to something. God’s power is what upholds him.
FUTURE AND PRAISE (9-11). Through the eyes of faith, he SEES God’s eventual judgment and PRAISES Him. The enemies of David will ultimately be taken care of by God. His mouth will continue to praise God, and the enemies will no longer be using their mouth.
Corey Sawyers