Psalms 63 – My Soul Thirsteth for Thee
David's longing for God in a dry and weary wilderness.
Written while David was in the wilderness, this chapter (see the Psalms overview) opens with one of Scripture's most vivid pictures of longing: a soul thirsting for God like parched ground thirsts for water. From that image David moves to praise, blessing God with lifted hands and a satisfied heart.
O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.
So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy power and thy glory.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.
So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
When I remember thee upon my bed, `And' meditate on thee in the night-watches.
For thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
They shall be given over to the power of the sword: They shall be a portion for foxes.
But the king shall rejoice in God: Every one that sweareth by him shall glory; For the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. Psalm 64 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.