Satisfied (Psalm 63)

“O God, you are my God; earnestly 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.” (Psalm 63:1)

Satisfaction begins with longing. Just as quenching follows thirst and finding follows a search, we must first desire the Lord in order to be satisfied by Him. 

So this is where we begin today: what is the true desire of your heart? 

What do you find yourself longing for in the way someone might long for water in the middle of the desert?

Is it peace? Comfort? Companionship? Rest? Relief? Joy?

All of these and infinitely more are found and made complete in God and Him alone.

Friend, you are longing for Him. Whether you recognize it or not, eternity was set on your heart and when you cry out in need, your heart is crying for God – for home. If you are unable to identify your longing as a desire for God, or if you are seeking after another source to meet your need, today is the day to reorient. 

Shift your searching and your wanting – direct them heavenward. Seek Him earnestly. And if you are wondering how, simply look to the Psalm:

“I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” (Psalm 63:2-3)

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:5-8)

Look upon Him. Behold His power and glory.

Remember and meditate on Him.

Receive His help. Hide in His wings.

Cling to Him and be upheld.

And as you do…sing praise!

Just as with fat and rich food, these things will increase both your longing for God and your satisfaction in Him. When you eat your favorite food, your craving is satisfied for the moment but often returns even stronger, because you have experienced it once and long to experience it again! I imagine this is what David means when he says, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Once you have tasted and seen, you cannot forget and your heart cannot help but hunger and thirst for the Living God. And each time you seek Him, you find Him, and your soul is satisfied.

“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.” (Psalm 63:3-4)

The only right response of the heart upon finding its every need met in God is to praise Him – to sing an honest, grateful “Hallelujah” to the One who satisfies. He is both the Provider and the Provision – the Giver of Good and the Gift – the Satisfier and the Satisfaction. 

If you are living in this joy today, sing a song of praise! If you are struggling, bring your burdens and needs to Him and sing a song of trust. If you do not yet know Him or are finding it difficult to believe, simply behold Him; He will put a song in your mouth in His perfect time.

Whoever you are and wherever you are, wait on the Lord today. Sure as the sun, His mercy and goodness will shine upon you.