June 21, 2023 — Psalm 63 

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.” Psalm 63 

Something I have preached upon or mentioned often in my devotions is this: we are not guaranteed easy lives or constant good luck – and just as quickly we have good days, we can also find ourselves firmly fighting for our lives in the desert. What the Psalmist says here sets an example on how to praise G-d when we are in the desert. No matter how far we might be from our loved ones, from our friends, from the trimmings of the church, G-d is always with us. Some fault those of us who follow G-d that we use this faith as a crutch. But I believe that true believers are proud to use G-d as a crutch and depend on our faith in Christ for everything: “My soul clings to You, Your right hand upholds me”, says the Psalmist.  “…all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.” I will continue to trust in G-d’s word and G-d’s promises – for they will carry us through the darkest and most difficult times. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, creator of unfailing light, enlighten those who call to you. May our lives proclaim your goodness, our work give you honor, and our voices praise you forever; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.