Desire
* Psalm 63 is attributed to David "when he was in the Desert of Judah." Having fled his enemies, David is isolated in the dry and weary desert. Under these conditions, David likely experiences physical thirst; but he also experiences a much deeper desire. Read Psalm 63:1.

1. In what ways do our circumstances and physical conditions affect our feelings and deep desires? How do David's difficult circumstances affect his desires, and why?

"As the deer pants for streams of water,
So my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:1-2, NIV)

2. Do you think it is possible to desperately need something without desiring it? If the answer is "yes," why is this so?

* David begins, "O God, you are my God" (v. 1). His seeking is based on his relationship with God. (The water/thirst metaphor is used elsewhere for nonbelievers' seeking. See below under Reflection/Application.)

Delight
* Read Psalm 63:1-11. David's desire is satisfied as he reflects on his previous experience with God (v. 2), and as he draws close to God in whole-hearted praise (vv. 3-5). As he commits to keep on praising God, he knows that his "soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods."

* As David reflects on God and praises him, he realizes that God's power and glory are constant even when David feels dry, weak and isolated (v. 2). He also realizes that "[God's] love is better than life" (v. 3).

3. How can David say, "[God's] love is better than life"? How can this be true?

* Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:15).

* As David lies restless on his bed "through the watches of the night" (when he is most vulnerable to anxiety and attack), he directs his thoughts toward God (v. 6). He is comforted by God's protective care, which brings peace and joy to his heart (v. 7).

* David clings to God, knowing that God's "right hand" upholds him (v. 8). He is encouraged, knowing that God has the stronger grip!

Personal Reflection
* Do you sometimes lie restless in your bed at night thinking about the challenges, difficulties, uncertainties or failures in your life? How do you find comfort, peace and rest? Do you pray to the Deliverer, and trust in Him?

Deliverance
* David concludes his psalm with confidence in God's deliverance (vv. 9-11). He knows that God's enemies will ultimately be defeated, and justice will prevail.

Reflection/Application
† What are your deepest desires? What are you seeking? How will you be satisfied? The water metaphor is a powerful metaphor because water is essential for life and health. As physical water is essential for physical life, "spiritual water" is essential for spiritual life. Only "spiritual water" can truly meet our deepest needs and satisfy our deepest desires.

† Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks [physical] water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14, NIV).

†Jesus said, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (7:37-38).
What do you think about these claims of Jesus? What questions do you have? Do you need to come to Jesus? He is the Savior, who died for your sins and was raised from the dead.

†As a Christian, do you agree that God's love is better than life? What things in your life (possessions, positions, dreams, ambitions, comforts, pleasures, etc.) are you holding on to most tightly? Would you be willing to let go of these things if you knew it was God's will? Think and pray about this, and ask God to change your heart to seek Him above all things.