Psalm 63

A beautiful song of David, written most likely as he was hiding from his son Absalom while Absalom was trying to take over the kingdom. Even while in the midst of a desert, David's words flow like an oasis. The first verse sets the stage, exclaiming a need for God like the physical need for water in a desert. Echoes of Psalm 42 are obvious here. But beyond that, David is seeking God. David is far from Jerusalem, which is the locus of his spirituality on earth and it is making him feel far from God. Verses 2-8 then lay out some of the thoughts David has of that relationship with the Divine.

David writes of God's power and glory in His sanctuary. Then he describes a number of ways he worships: with his lips, lifting up hands, singing, a satisfied soul. Even in bed and throughout the night, David longs to take refuge under God's wings.

The key line is contained in verse 3: "Because your love is better than life..." This is hard for so many of us to grasp. We cling to life as if it were eternal. But our earthly life is fleeting. The love of the Almighty is eternal and is infinitely better than anything earthly.

Verses 9-11 are confident claims that God will not only take care of David, but that He will provide justice against David's enemies.