Thirsting for God: Faith in Wilderness Moments

 

Summary

In Psalm 63, David finds himself in a wilderness, both physically and spiritually, during a time of great personal turmoil. This psalm, cherished by many throughout history, offers profound insights into how believers should respond to adversity. David's circumstances, fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion, serve as a backdrop for a deeper spiritual thirst and longing for God's presence. This longing is not merely a desire for relief from his troubles but a profound yearning for God's presence, which he values more than life itself.

David's reaction to his dire situation is instructive. Instead of turning away from God in frustration or doubt, he draws nearer, seeking God with an earnestness that reflects his deep relationship with the Divine. This instinctive turning to God in times of trouble is a hallmark of true faith. It reveals a heart that knows God personally, not just intellectually. David's cry, "O God, thou art my God," is a testament to his intimate relationship with God, a relationship that transcends the physical sanctuary and finds its fulfillment in the wilderness.

The psalm also challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we seek God only in times of prosperity, or do we, like David, thirst for Him in our wilderness moments? David's declaration that God's loving-kindness is better than life itself is a profound statement of faith. It reflects a heart that finds ultimate satisfaction in God, beyond the fleeting pleasures and securities of this world. This satisfaction is not just intellectual assent but a deep, experiential knowledge of God's presence and love.

David's response to adversity is not just about survival but about thriving in God's presence. His soul's thirst for God is a reminder that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with the Creator, not from the temporary comforts of this world. This psalm invites us to cultivate a faith that seeks God above all else, finding joy and confidence in His unchanging love and protection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adversity as a Test of Faith: True faith is revealed in how we respond to adversity. Instead of turning away from God, the believer instinctively draws nearer, seeking His presence and guidance. This reaction is a profound test of our relationship with God, showing whether our faith is merely intellectual or deeply personal. [12:40]

2. The Value of God's Presence: David's longing for God in the wilderness highlights the believer's ultimate desire for God's presence. This desire surpasses all earthly concerns, reflecting a heart that finds true satisfaction in God alone. Such a relationship is not confined to physical spaces but is a constant, personal experience. [23:07]

3. God's Loving-Kindness Over Life: The declaration that God's loving-kindness is better than life challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This perspective shifts our focus from mere survival to a deeper, more fulfilling existence rooted in God's eternal love. [26:59]

4. Satisfaction in God Alone: True satisfaction comes from an intimate knowledge of God, which surpasses all worldly pleasures and securities. This satisfaction is complete, providing peace and rest even in the midst of trials, and is a testament to the transformative power of a relationship with God. [39:55]

5. Confidence in God's Protection: The believer's confidence in God's protection is likened to a chick finding safety under its mother's wings. This imagery underscores the security and peace found in God's presence, assuring us that nothing can harm us when we are under His care. [46:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Psalm 63
- [01:09] - Historical Context of the Psalm
- [02:35] - David's Wilderness Experience
- [04:01] - Lessons from David's Response
- [05:02] - Testing Times and True Faith
- [06:12] - The Real Test of Christian Faith
- [08:30] - Dependence Beyond the Sanctuary
- [10:26] - Adversity Drives Believers to God
- [12:40] - Instinctive Reaction of Believers
- [15:18] - Personal Relationship with God
- [18:26] - Deep Longing for God's Presence
- [26:59] - God's Loving-Kindness Over Life
- [39:55] - Satisfaction in God Alone
- [46:17] - Confidence in God's Protection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 63

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 63:1-3

Observation Questions:
1. What specific circumstances led David to write Psalm 63, and how did these circumstances affect his spiritual state? [02:52]
2. How does David describe his longing for God in the wilderness, and what does this reveal about his relationship with God? [18:26]
3. What does David mean when he declares that God's loving-kindness is better than life? [26:41]
4. How does David's reaction to adversity demonstrate his faith and trust in God? [12:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does David's longing for God in the wilderness challenge our understanding of seeking God during difficult times? [18:26]
2. How does the statement "God's loving-kindness is better than life" redefine what is truly valuable in life? [26:41]
3. What does David's instinctive turning to God in adversity teach us about the nature of true faith? [12:40]
4. How does David's confidence in God's protection provide a model for believers facing their own "wilderness" experiences? [46:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent time of adversity in your life. How did you respond, and what does that reveal about your faith? [12:40]
2. David found satisfaction in God's presence even in the wilderness. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your daily life? [18:26]
3. Consider the statement "God's loving-kindness is better than life." How can this perspective change the way you prioritize your relationship with God over worldly concerns? [26:41]
4. In what ways can you seek to experience God's presence outside of traditional church settings, as David did in the wilderness? [24:30]
5. How can you develop a habit of instinctively turning to God in times of trouble, rather than relying on your own strength or understanding? [12:40]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's protection. What practical steps can you take to place your confidence in Him? [46:17]
7. How can you incorporate praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine, even when facing challenges, as David did? [44:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Revealed in Adversity
In times of adversity, true faith is revealed by our instinctive reaction to draw nearer to God rather than turning away. David's experience in the wilderness, as described in Psalm 63, exemplifies this profound test of faith. Despite the turmoil of fleeing from his son Absalom, David's response was not one of frustration or doubt but of earnest seeking of God's presence. This reaction is a hallmark of a deeply personal relationship with God, one that goes beyond intellectual understanding to a heartfelt connection. David's cry, "O God, thou art my God," reflects a faith that is deeply rooted in personal experience and trust in God's character. [12:40]

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you instinctively respond, and what does that reveal about your relationship with God?


Day 2: Longing for God's Presence
David's longing for God in the wilderness highlights the believer's ultimate desire for God's presence, surpassing all earthly concerns. This desire is not confined to physical spaces but is a constant, personal experience that reflects a heart finding true satisfaction in God alone. David's yearning for God was not just a plea for relief from his troubles but a profound thirst for the divine presence, which he valued more than life itself. This longing challenges us to examine our own faith and whether we seek God only in times of prosperity or also in our wilderness moments. [23:07]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your daily life, even amidst distractions and challenges?


Day 3: Prioritizing God's Loving-Kindness
David's declaration that God's loving-kindness is better than life itself challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This perspective shifts our focus from mere survival to a deeper, more fulfilling existence rooted in God's eternal love. David's understanding of God's loving-kindness as surpassing life itself reflects a heart that finds ultimate satisfaction in God, beyond the fleeting pleasures and securities of this world. This profound statement of faith invites us to reassess our priorities and to seek fulfillment in God's unchanging love. [26:59]

Psalm 63:3-4 (ESV): "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to prioritize God's loving-kindness over worldly concerns, and how can you begin to make that shift today?


Day 4: Satisfaction in God Alone
True satisfaction comes from an intimate knowledge of God, which surpasses all worldly pleasures and securities. David's soul thirsted for God, reminding us that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with the Creator, not in the temporary comforts of this world. This satisfaction is complete, providing peace and rest even in the midst of trials, and is a testament to the transformative power of a relationship with God. David's experience invites us to cultivate a faith that seeks God above all else, finding joy and confidence in His unchanging love and protection. [39:55]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you sought satisfaction in worldly things. How can you redirect that desire towards finding fulfillment in God alone?


Day 5: Confidence in God's Protection
The believer's confidence in God's protection is likened to a chick finding safety under its mother's wings. This imagery underscores the security and peace found in God's presence, assuring us that nothing can harm us when we are under His care. David's confidence in God's protection, even in the wilderness, reflects a deep trust in God's ability to safeguard and provide for His people. This assurance invites us to rest in the knowledge that God's presence offers ultimate security, regardless of our circumstances. [46:17]

Psalm 91:4 (ESV): "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler."

Reflection: What fears or anxieties do you need to entrust to God's protection today, and how can you actively rest in His care?

Quotes


A time of trouble, a time of difficulty, a time of trial is always a testing time, and what it really does is to test where we really are and what we really have. I want to approach this this morning from that particular angle and standpoint. Times of trouble, I say, and of trial and of difficulty above everything else test our profession of the Christian faith. [00:05:41]

If you really want to know whether you're a Christian or not, the simplest way, the most direct way always is to discover what you're like when you're in trouble, when things go against you. That's the time when you really discover the value of what you believe. A time of affluence and prosperity, when the sun is shining and everything is going well, that doesn't test our profession. [00:06:17]

The immediate reaction of the believer in a time of trouble is to draw near unto God. To whom shall we go but unto thee, says the believer in the words again of the psalmist. And you will find throughout these Psalms that these men, often perplexed and in grievous positions, oh, they always turn. They're like the needle of that compass. [00:12:33]

The Christian not only instinctively turns to God in this way at such a time, he feels that he has a right to do so. He turns to God because he knows him. The Christian, you see, in perplexity doesn't get down on his knees and pray to whatsoever gods may be. That's how many do. It's a cry into empty space, as it were, a cry in the void. [00:13:38]

The psalmist, you see, and this is the wonderful thing, was more concerned about this even than he was about his circumstances. He is in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. He is surrounded by enemies. He knows that some very able men are conspiring with Absalom to bring about not only his defeat but probably his death. [00:19:53]

David used to go to the sanctuary as every godly person does because God has promised to meet with his people. And as David reminds us again in a very similar Psalm, the 84th Psalm, grace and glory, he says, are found in the house of God. That's why he wants to be there. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. [00:21:41]

The Christian, the true believer, not only believes in God, he not only prays to God, this God in whom he believes, he is a man who has experienced God. He knows God. That's the thing David is emphasizing here. He wants this personal certainty, this personal assurance, this intimation that God is still with him. [00:23:00]

Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Now here is a tremendous statement. You see, to the true believer, God's loving-kindness is the most precious thing in life. You can't qualify this statement. He makes it as an absolute statement. Because thy loving-kindness is better than life. [00:26:46]

The man of God, I say, is a man who can say quite honestly, I have never found complete satisfaction in this world as such. Never. Oh, I've been interested, I've been attracted, I've been helped, I've been moved, I've had enjoyment, but there's always been a residual longing, something in me crying out for an empyrean ether, a divine. [00:32:56]

The Christian has faced it all out, and he says life never has been able truly to satisfy me. But of course, he's gone even further than that. He has discovered that the world is mainly vain and empty at its best, at its highest. Fading is the worldling's pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show. The Christian sees through all this. [00:34:19]

The Christian is a man who has a quiet confidence in God. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. Thy right hand upholdeth me. That's the ultimate, a quiet confidence in God, knowing something of what it is to be under the shadow of his wings. [00:46:17]

Have you ever been there? Do you know what it is to feel the shadow of God's wing covering you, protecting you? Do you know that because you were his child that nothing can harm you, that the very hairs of your head are all numbered, that he has said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee? [00:47:00]

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Transcript
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