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 approval (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 of 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 was a very personal
matter; God was his God. So intense was the yearning that he sought, he
thirsted for, he longed for God. In fact, God was 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 had experienced the lovingkindness
of God and found that it was better than life itself. This was the source of
his praise.

God’s lovingkindness had produced
a deep sense of satisfaction in David’s heart (verse 5). It was as real as
physical satisfaction. David very appropriately compared it 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 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.

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" (1 Pet. 1:8).

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.