GOD SEEN FROM THREE POSITIONS

David is in three positions or stations, (i) in the wilderness, (ii) in the sanctuary, and (iii) in bed. He has learned the truth of yesterday’s psalm. Psalm 63 is in three stages, and stage two, vv. 2-4, seems the pivot of the others.

Position One. In spirit he has been in the sanctuary, vv. 2-4; this came first, “so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary”. The remembrance of this supports him in the wilderness, v. 1, and satisfies him in his bedchamber, vv. 5-11, in desert and darkness. There he had seen the power, glory and lovingkindness of his God. The sight of power had strengthened him, of glory had stirred him, of lovingkindness had succoured him. If we would be strong for earth’s frays, we must often kneel there and let the vision impress the soul; this moves to praise and worship, vv. 3, 4. Why are our lips so dumb?

Position Two, v. 1. This is affected by position one, “O God, thou art my God”. David is now in the wilderness of Judah, thirsting, longing, wearying, but he remembers the sanctuary vision. Effectively, he says, “Jehovah (printed God), Thou art my Mighty One”. This remembrance changes the nature of his desires. He thirsts for this faithful, mighty One; his very flesh longs for Him, and He alone will rest and refresh his weariness. Note the intensity of his desire, “early”, “seek”, “thirsteth”, “longeth” (the word is pineth). Does his expressed soul-desire shame us? If so, is this why our wilderness of soul continues?

Position Three, vv. 5-11. Occupation in position one gives satisfaction in position two, and leads to contemplation in position three. Satisfaction and song become the exercises of the soul in the night watches. Instead of hours of sleeplessness and fear, his hours are times of even greater devotion. They are filled with soul-refreshment, “satisfied as with marrow and fatness”, and like Paul and Silas he praises with joyful lips, Acts 16. 25. His waking hours are not fraught with tomorrow’s cares, but are full of thoughts of Him, v. 6. He rests in the Lord’s shadow, and rejoices in His care, vv. 7, 8. He loses his fear of his enemies, vv. 9-11.

Seek often the sanctuary, finding there strength for the day’s wilderness, and serenity for the darksome night.