Psalms

Psalms 63: God satisfies and upholds His people

Begin in prayer

Before we hear a thirsty man's song from the wilderness, let us consider what our own hearts long for. Ask God to satisfy thirsty hearts through Jesus and show us why His loving kindness is better than life.

yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Habakkuk 3:18

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God's loving kindness is better than life and His hand holds up those who belong to Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David seeks God from the desert of Judah, describing his longing as thirst in a dry land without water. Remembering God's power and glory in the sanctuary, he values His loving kindness above life itself. He promises praise throughout his life and looks for satisfaction like the richest food. On his bed through the night watches, he remembers the help that gives him joy beneath God's wings. His soul stays close to God because God's right hand holds him up. Those who seek his life will meet death, while the king and those who swear by God rejoice and the mouths of liars are silenced.

As you read Psalms 63, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God's loving kindness is better than life, and His upholding hand satisfies His people with joyful praise.

Judah's dry wilderness gives David a picture for longing that reaches through body and soul toward God Himself. Remembering the sanctuary brings the Lord's power and glory before him while the place of gathered worship is far away. Loving kindness is God's faithful love, valued above the life his enemies threaten. The richest food pictures the satisfaction he expects in God, turning hunger toward joyful praise. The night watches were portions of the night, and David fills even those waking hours with remembrance of God's help. Shelter beneath God's wings joins protection to joy, so his soul's closeness depends on the right hand holding him up. The men seeking his life will fall by the sword, with their bodies left for jackals, showing the full disgrace of their defeat. Their lies will be silenced, while the king rejoices in God and those who swear by Him share that praise. Such swearing declares allegiance to the Lord, joining His people around the One who satisfies and sustains them.

How does Psalm 63 show us that God's loving kindness is better than life, and His upholding hand satisfies His people with joyful praise?

God's loving kindness satisfies His people more than life itself.

The desert's thirst gives David words for his longing for God. He remembers the Lord's power and glory and values His love above life. That love gives him hope of satisfaction and joyful praise even through the night.

God's right hand upholds those who stay close to Him.

David remembers that the Lord has been his help and rejoices beneath His wings. His soul stays close because God's hand holds him up. The enemies who seek his life will fall, while the king and God's faithful people rejoice in Him.

Memorise

Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.

Psalm 63:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what am I seeking for satisfaction more earnestly than the Lord Jesus?

David confesses, “your loving kindness is better than life.” In the dry wilderness he longs for God and expects a satisfaction like the richest food. His soul stays close because the Lord's hand holds him up.

Our sin has sought satisfaction while turning away from the God who gives life. Jesus carried His people's sins to the cross and died for them, receiving the punishment their rebellion deserved. He rose victorious from the grave. He has secured their pardon once for all, giving His people lasting life in God's presence through His accomplished saving work.

Turn from sin and seek mercy through Jesus. He forgives everyone who comes to Him. Bring Him the lesser comforts that have occupied your heart, and ask for a hunger for God Himself. The Lord's faithful love gives His people in Christ joy to seek through dry places and the waking hours of the night.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God's loving kindness is better than life and His hand holds up those who belong to Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His satisfying loving kindness and the hand that upholds His people. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

John 15:11

God of faithful love, please expose the comforts we have valued above You. Bring us to Jesus for pardon through His completed saving work. Satisfy Your people with Your goodness, and teach us to remember You through the night. Uphold those who feel weak, silence lies and give us joy in Your loving kindness. Amen.