Psalm 63: My Soul Thirsteth

David composed [Psalm] 63 when he was in the Wilderness of Judah, a fugitive from the wrath of King Saul. . . . [Psalm] 63 is one of the tenderest of the psalms. . . . The hymn has three parts: David’s hunger for God (vs. 1–4), his joy in communion with God (vs. 5–8), his confidence in the ultimate destruction of the wicked and his own triumph in the hands of God (vs. 9–11).” David was hiding in a sun-scorched, desolate place.

He understandably compared his need for God to his need for water. God was just as essential to his welfare as the water that kept him alive (v. 1).

Even before sunrise (v. 1), he longed to bond with his Savior.

For David, the love of God was more important than life itself (v. 3).

Because of this, he freely acknowledged the gifts God bestows are really unmerited blessings (v. 4). Although David continually thirsted for communion with God, he acknowledged God’s blessings had already satisfied his hunger. God’s presence and blessings were as food and drink to his soul (v. 5). In verse 1, David seeks God “early.” In verse 6, he remembers Him “in the night.” “David doubtless spent much time thinking about God during the anxious nights in the wilderness. We would do well to turn our thoughts toward God during our sleepless hours.” David knows he can rely on God during coming trials because God has upheld him in the past. Under His wing, he can safely abide, for God has never failed (vv. 7, 8).

Verses 10, 11 vividly describe the fate awaiting David’s enemies.

“Those who seek to triumph by falsehood will be confounded. David is confident that he will be protected against the murderous designs of Saul and that his enemies will be destroyed.” “Beneath the cross of Jesus / I fain would take my stand, / The shadow of a mighty rock / Within a weary land.”