Day 108 – Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

Talking Points

• Faced with a malicious enemy, David turns to God. He seeks His comfort, help, and protection. We also see that he wants vindication and justice. David wants his enemies to pay for their attacks.
• Again, it’s interesting to see how many of the attacks made against David, attacks that grieved his soul, were verbal. Words, lies, malicious false witnesses all caused deep pain.
• In these songs, not only do we see there are people who actually attack David, but we also see his pain multiplied by another class of people — those who rejoiced in his hard times. Some people take great joy in the hardships of others. This seems to be especially true if that person is esteemed by others. A godly response is one of compassion.

Thoughts

What is it that we yearn for? If the truth were known, what is it that we desperately seek? Is it the approval of others? Is it some measure of success? Is it the love of a person or a group of people? Is it a change in circumstances? What is it we are seeking?

In these songs, we find that David, racked with trouble, desires God. In Psalm 63, he sings that he seeks after Him earnestly, yearns for Him, even thirsts for Him. What strong language! David is parched, longing for, thirsting for God. The burning desire of his heart is to draw close to Him.

What would that look like for us? What would it take for us to long for God? Would it take the removal of life’s distractions? Would it take a renewed picture of God, one that reminded us of who He truly is? Would it take our lives being racked with trouble, like David’s? What would push us to the point that we would thirst for God?

What if it didn’t take any of those things? What if it was as simple as us truly believing He far outweighs all things and that He is worthy? Because, friend, He truly does and He truly is.

God, forgive us for thirsting after the things that pale in comparison with You. Help us burn in our yearning for You. You outweigh all things! You are worthy!