It is believed that in Psalm 63 King David was fleeing from his third born son, Absalom, who was seeking to kill him in an effort to overtake his throne. 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, his heart was far for the Lord. His father, King David, on the other hand 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. He died living 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 with the Lord. He had repented of his sins, he sought, thirsted, longed, awaited, praised, and clung 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 with 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 our hearts. You and I can do everything to make ourselves look good on the outside and to this world, but God knows the truth. He knows if our hearts are in oneness with Him or with Satan. It’s what Pastor Mary said yesterday during her sermon, there is always a contrasting difference between believers and unbelievers, righteousness and unrighteousness, lies and the Truth, and God longs for us to be overcomers! In this place we turn everything over to God so He can offer us true peaceful rest and comfort in all the areas of our lives, just like He did for King David.
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 carrying me when I am weary. I need Your strength in all areas of my life because my walk with You is everything. I want others to see You, to hear You, and to grow to know You through me. Holy Spirit, please keep guiding me with Your holy wisdom to know where You need me. Bring to my spirit a reminder today that I am an overcomer. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.