Psalm 63:1-8 (NRSV)
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Verse 1O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Verse 2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Verse 3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Verse 4So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
Verse 5My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
Verse 6when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
Verse 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
Verse 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Devotion
Have you ever been unable to praise God? Have there been periods of your life where love for God seems distant and far away, like a fading memory? Perhaps you have dealt with depression and wondered where God really was. From time to time the psalmist’s words capture this feeling so well: "My soul thirsts for you...as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." The psalmist has been there. Yet, like a light in the distance, the psalmist also sees hope, and this hope draws ever closer and overwhelms the psalmist to the point of praise. Joy seems to overwhelm the psalmist when he or she feels the need for God’s presence so greatly and deeply. In the depths of thirst and longing the psalmist is able to find solace in knowing God is present.
Prayer
Lord, you know our deepest yearning; you know when we thirst. Come to our aid, be present in our need. Then use us to be your presence for others who are longing and hoping and craving your love. Provide your people with joyful lips and meditative hearts. Amen.