The Man That Seeks God (Psalm 63:1)
A guest post by Bill Irby.
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsts for thee. my flesh longs for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is."
David found himself in difficult circumstances throughout his life. He had trouble with Saul. He had trouble with his son Absalom. He had trouble with the Philistines and other enemies. He even had trouble with himself (think of Bathsheba).
Psalm 63 is a reflection of a man who knows that there is really only one way out and around the troubles of this life. That one way is God.
We have our troubles as men in this life. We must be the kind of men that seek the Lord. And what kind of man is that?
A Man Who Looks for God.
It is a man that goes looking for God. David said "I will seek thee" (Psalm 63:1). The prodigal's father did not seek his boy (Luke 15). God does not go looking for us. But He has made sure that if we look for Him, He can be found. Think of Romans 1. Think of the power and presence of the Word in the world (John 8:32, John 17, Hebrews 4:12).
A Man Who Needs God.
David was parched for God. His thirst is symbolic of his need for God (Matthew 5:6).
The man that seeks God must understand that He is the only source of true satisfaction. He mentions "fatness" and the satisfaction that comes from eating rich food. We have to seek God as we would that meal that would keep us and our children alive. He is essential.
A Man Who Remembers God.
The man who seeks God knows that when God helps us we really are helped. There is nothing partial or momentary about God's help (Psalm 63:6-8). David contemplates while on his bed the things God has done for him. It is good to make our last memory of the night God's blessings.
A Man Who Follows God.
In Psalm 63:8 David says he follows hard after God. He does not lay back a safe distance. There is no safe distance between God and self. Think of how close you followed your father when you were a little fellow, particularly in an uncomfortable place. We are all "little fellows" when it comes to God.
A Man Who Trusts God.
Finally, we seek God because we know that He will settle accounts. Romans 12:19 says "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord."
Psalm 63:11 describes a spiritual dichotomy. On God's side is glory. The liar's side is death.
Seek God and live.
Read the companion article here - “The Man That God Seeks.”
I appreciate Bill sharing his thoughts from Scripture with us!
Bill Irby was the full-time preacher for the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ, where I am now blessed to preach. He’s also a great friend, mentor, and neighbor. I’m thankful for his godly influence in the lives of so many people in this world!
There is no greater relationship than a relationship with the full Godhead--God Himself.