July 03, 2024
Rejoicing in the Wilderness #
Psalm 63:1-11
Introduction
The Title of the Psalm included most of the time in verse number 1, reads, “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.” Psalm 3’s title reads, “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” Only time mentioned in Psalms.
David is the author of this Psalm. There were a few times that David was in the wilderness. While he was running from king Saul who was trying to kill him, is probably the most notable, and longest time David was in the wilderness. I do not believe that was the time that it was written, because verse 11 reads, “But the king shall rejoice in God” I believe that is written of himself, not of king Saul.
Not one of us could imagine being a king, and being overthrown from our kingdom. We simply cannot relate, but to be overthrown by your own son… that is bad. That is betrayal, and backstabbing more than just being overthrown. David experiences one of the worst kind of betrayals, that is the setting of this Psalm. In the worst moments, we find a very positive Psalm! A Psalm that can and should encourage us!
I. Priority of God (1-2) #
A. Decision “O God, thou art my God” #
1. Is He your God? #
2. Christian, is He still your God??? Or has He slipped a fallen from a prioritized place in your life? #
3. Pursuit – “early will I seek thee” #
B. Demand “my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” #
C. Desire 2 “To see thy power and thy glory” #
1. David had seen God work before! “so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary” #
2. David longed to see God work again! #
II. Praiseworthiness of God (3-6) #
A. What to Praise God with? (3-4) #
1. Lips -3 #
Psa. 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Psa. 100:1 ¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Psa. 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
2. Life -4 #
3. Lifted Hands -4 – Don’t be so stiff! #
B. How to Praise God? (5-6) #
1. Satisfied (5) – you cannot praise God when you are discontented with Him. #
Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
2. Smiling lips “joyful lips” #
3. Sleepless nights 6-“in the night watches” #
III. Past Relationship #
A. Closeness to God (7-8) #
1. “shadow of thy wings” 7 #
- If you are standing in the “shadow of thy wings” we are talking pretty close to God!