In Need of True Satisfaction

One of the criticisms I hear about many modern praise songs is that they’re too individualistic. We sing to God, “I will love you” or “I will praise you”. The critics say that singing is a communal activity so our songs should be more about “we” than “me”. Apparently, no one told King David that. While he wrote his songs to be sung by all God’s people, he often spoke very personally of his own relationship with God. In Psalm 63, David says, “I’, “me”, or “my”—no less than 20 times.

In words reminiscent of Psalm 42, David expresses a deep thirst to be in God’s presence. This thirst is probably both physical and spiritual. In the title of the psalm, we’re told he was in “the Desert of Judah”, probably on the run from either Saul or his son Absalom. But he longs to be back in the sanctuary, the symbolic dwelling place of God (Psalm 63:2).

In vv. 3–5 David expresses his deep love for God. When the 2nd century Christian bishop, Polycarp, was facing death before a Roman governor, he was offered his freedom if he denied Christ. Polycarp replied, “For 86 years I have been his servant, and he has never wronged me. How can I blaspheme my king who saved
me?” Like David, this bishop knew that God’s love was better than life. Indeed, to know God turns our thirst into a feast (v. 5). His love is even richer and more satisfying than our favourite food.

Food and drink are essential for life. It’s not surprising, then, that poets and preachers have often chosen them as metaphors to describe our relationship with God. Jesus used the same metaphor, too. After feeding a hungry crowd of 5000 men (plus women and children), John tells us that they, “ate as much as they wanted” (John 6:11). As the bread Jesus gave them satisfied the crowdabundantly, it symbolised the fact that He is the bread of life (v. 35). Jesus was telling them, and us today, that by believing in Him who gave His life for us (v. 51), we will receive true life that will completely satisfy us. Indeed, to know Jesus is better than life.

Next, David shares his thoughts at night. This is usually the time when we feel most vulnerable, as fears and nightmares assail us. But David’s thoughts turn to God. He remembers how God has helped him in the past (Psalm 63:6). David is like a small child who, when crossing a busy road, heard his mother says, “hold my hand and you’ll be safe”. So, when the terrors of night come upon him, David clings to God’s right hand of power (v. 8). The song concludes with David’s expression of trust that God will deliver him from his enemies (vv. 9–11).

God richly satisfies those who hunger and thirst for Him. This is why it’s appropriate for us, both as individuals and as the church, to praise Him with singing lips (v. 5).

Think Through:

Taken from Journey Through Psalms 51-100: 50 Biblical Insights by Mike Raiter.