(Psalm 63)
David was far from sinless, but
God describes him as a "man after His own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14). He
saw something in David that called forth His divine approbation (1 Sam. 16:7).
So David’s heart should be a subject of intense interest to any who desire to
please the Lord.
In Psalm 63 we find the
opportunity for just such a study of David’s heart. At the outset (verses 1 and
2) we note a yearning for God in the heart of David. It is a very personal
matter; God is his God. So intense is the yearning that he seeks, he thirsts
for, he longs for God. In fact, God is first in his life:"Early will I
seek Thee." God’s interests are uppermost in his mind.
Next (verses 3 and 4) we observe
an attitude of praise in his heart. This man has experienced the lovingkindness
of God and finds that it is better than life itself. This is the source of his
praise.
God’s lovingkindness has
produced a deep sense of satisfaction in David’s heart (verse 5). It is as real
as physical satisfaction. It is very appropriately compared with the pleasure
produced by physical food. We enjoy a good meal, well prepared. But do we enjoy
the experience of fellowship with God, the sweetness of His love, the delight
of His joy, the depth of His peace? Here alone is satisfaction.
Meditation held a prominent
place in the heart of David (verse 6). Contemplation of God was a necessity to
this man. It was his life, and it is our life too (John 6:57).
One of the most precious
thoughts that came to David’s heart as he meditated was the fact of his
security in God (verse 7). God had been his help many a time. What blessed
security is the portion of the saints of God! What security is in Christ our
Saviour, who died to deliver us from the wrath of God upon our sins, and to
raise us up to a heavenly position in Himself!
David was running a race (verse
8). If you had looked into David’s heart, you would have found that his soul
was following hard after God. He was one of an illustrious company, which
comprised also Caleb and Joshua, who "wholly followed the Lord."
Finally, David’s heart was
filled with joy (verse 11). He rejoiced not only in his security and in his
privilege of praise but simply in God Himself. How prominent this thought is in
the New Testament! We are to "joy in God" and to "rejoice in the
Lord." In fact, our joy in Him whom we have not seen and yet believe is
"joy unspeakable and full of glory."
Are
these experiences of David’s heart actually your experiences? They can be. In
fact, they must be if you are to live to the glory of God.