My God

O God, you are my God,
   and I long for you.
My whole being desires you;
   like a dry, worn-out, and waterless land,
   my soul is thirsty for you.
Let me see you in the sanctuary;
   let me see how mighty and glorious you are.
(verses 1,2),

Read Psalm 63:1-8

David was in the wilderness of Judah when he wrote this psalm. He was mourning, because he felt he had lost the pleasure and delight of being in God’s presence. He had a longing and desire for the only one who could quench the thirst in his soul.

What strong faith he had. Despite the circumstances of his life and his feelings of barrenness, he remained certain of God’s might and glory. He never doubted that there would be a feast for his soul, despite his waterless and dry physical condition. He could see past his temporary circumstances to God’s eternal promises.

When you feel as if your life is shrivelling up and the cool refreshing rain seems a long way off, don’t despair and give up. Look past the here and now and seek the one thing that will sustain you: the constant love of God.

O God, when I travel through the wilderness, let me see how mighty and glorious you are. Amen.

by Janet Eiby, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)

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