Psalm 63:1-11 We talked earlier about giving thanks for trials because ultimately they work for our good; also, proven character is developed in us. This thought does not appeal to our natural mind, especially when we are in the midst of a heavy-duty trial. David sometimes buckled under his trials, but even at those times he spoke to his soul and told his soul to hope in God. Focus is the main issue in trials, and as we see in our psalm reading today, David had his focus exactly where it should be. We all can learn how to focus on the Lord in troubled times. Thank God for a psalmist like David who writes beautiful, but also very practical psalms.
In this psalm David first declares His need for the Lord. He is going through a dry time and feels like there is no water (v. 1). He thirsts to see God’s power and glory in the sanctuary (v. 2). Then David turns his focus from his need onto God and begins to praise Him. He shares the fact that God’s loving-kindness supercedes every trial and is better than life itself. David’s lips begin to praise the Lord (v. 3). He continues steadfastly focusing on the Lord by blessing the Lord and lifting up his hands to the Lord.
Then David makes a faith statement in the midst of a dry time in his life. He says, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.” The feeling of joy is normally absent when we are in a desert place, but David makes a decision with his will to praise the Lord with joyful lips (v. 5). He also remembers the Lord and meditates in the night watches (v. 6). Often when we are going through a trial, it is hard to sleep, but we can use these waking hours to meditate upon the Lord. David remembers how God has helped him in the past (v. 7). We can always gain proper focus in a trial when we remember how God hid us in the shadow of His wings in the other trials (v. 7).
David makes a determination of his will not to give up because he knows God is upholding him with His right hand (v. 8). He then declares the defeat of his enemies. Sometimes it is good in the midst of a trial to declare aloud the ultimate defeat of the enemy. This is spiritual warfare. Remember, God is allowing Satan to come against you for only one reason. He believes in you and knows if you depend upon Him in the trial, you will be victorious.
David ends his psalm with this beautiful statement: “The king shall rejoice in God.” I have a little saying that helps me focus on Jesus in trying times: God will always turn the gory into glory if I trust in Him and keep my mind stayed upon Him.
READ: Isaiah 30:12-33:12; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22
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