In Psalm 63 it is believed that King David was fleeing from his third born son, Absalom, who was seeking to kill him. We learn of Absalom’s birth in the beginning of 2 Samuel 3, and his name means “father of peace” or “peaceful”. But we also learn about his “not so peaceful” adult life in later chapters of 2 Samuel. “Now Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel. He was flawless from head to foot;” (2 Sam 14:25) but even though he looked perfect and beautiful on the exterior, the Word of God never points to his interior, his heart, being for the Lord. His father, King David, on the other hand was sought out by God Himself because he was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14).
There is a clear difference with these two men, Absalom’s life is marked with chaos, hatred, and fear. You might be thinking, this “apple didn’t fall far from the tree” because we know that David had his run in with sin through adultery, murder, etc. but the Word of God clearly points to the difference within their hearts. Absalom dies choosing to live a chaotic and hateful life, which was motivated by his heart that was aligned with this world that is ruled by Satan. While it is clear even in today’s passage, that David’s heart was aligned, by his choice of being with the Lord. He repented of his sins, and he was seeking, thirsting, longing, waiting, praising, and clinging to the Lord. His life reflected his eternal loving relationship with the Lord. Even when David was faced with his own son wanting to kill him, he was not paralyzed by fear, rather he searched for the Lord with his entire soul and being, because he knew that the Lord was the only One Who could offer him true peaceful rest and comfort in all the areas of his life.
Friends, God is after the allegiance of our hearts. You and I can do everything to make ourselves look good on the outside and to the earth, but God knows the truth. He knows if our hearts are in alignment with Him or with Satan. You might be thinking I would never align with Satan. But, each time we sin, we are choosing him over Jesus. David knew he was helpless without the Lord. You and I can find ourselves in places like David. Ok…so, maybe we currently don’t have a family member seeking to kill us, but we need Jesus in all areas of our lives. Friends, we need to “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8) Remember, when you feel like life is too much, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” (Matt 11:28-30)
Psalm 63:1-8 (NLT)
A psalm of David, regarding a time when David was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
6 I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for always answering my knock. Holy Spirit, help me to keep seeking more and more of a relationship with You. I need Your strength in all areas of my life because my walk with You is everything, and I know I need You even in difficult times. I want others to see You, to hear You, and to grow to know You through me. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.