Psalms 63

Chapter Summary

In Psalms 63, David expresses his deep longing for God, saying 'O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my body yearns for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water' (Psalms 63:1). He remembers God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, and he praises Him for His power and glory. David also asks for God's protection from his enemies and for the destruction of those who rise up against him. Throughout the chapter, David's focus is on his relationship with God and his desire to be in His presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 63 is a Psalm of David, written when he was in the wilderness of Judah. The chapter is likely a reflection of David's experiences during the time of Absalom's rebellion, when he was forced to flee from Jerusalem and live in the wilderness. The chapter is part of the larger narrative of David's life and reign, and it provides insight into his spiritual struggles and triumphs. In the broader biblical narrative, the chapter points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages us to seek God earnestly and to trust in His lovingkindness and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are reminded of the importance of remembering God's past actions and character, and of praising Him for His power and glory. As we reflect on the chapter, we are encouraged to cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in our lives and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 63 is a chapter about longing for God. David wrote it when he was in the wilderness, and he expresses his deep desire to be with God. He remembers God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, and he praises Him for His power and glory. The chapter teaches us to seek God earnestly and to trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 63:1 and Psalms 63:3.

Voices from the Church

“This Psalm is a sweet expression of the believer's desire for communion with God, and his satisfaction in the enjoyment of it.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Prophet, in this Psalm, describes the ardent desire which he felt to approach unto God, and to taste of His sweetness, which he had experienced in the sanctuary.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: Longing for God (Psalms 63:1-2) — David expresses his deep longing for God and his desire to seek Him earnestly.
2. Remembering God's Lovingkindness (Psalms 63:3-5) — David remembers God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, and he praises Him for His power and glory.
3. Trusting in God's Protection (Psalms 63:6-8) — David asks for God's protection from his enemies and trusts in His faithfulness.
4. Praising God's Power (Psalms 63:9-10) — David praises God for His power and glory, and he looks forward to the ultimate destruction of his enemies.
5. Conclusion: The King's Joy (Psalms 63:11) — The chapter concludes with David's expression of joy and praise for God's lovingkindness and faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Lovingkindness

The chapter teaches us about God's lovingkindness, which is a key attribute of His character. We see this in Psalms 63:3, where David remembers God's lovingkindness.

The Doctrine of Faith

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This is seen in Psalms 63:1, where David says 'I shall seek You earnestly'.

The Doctrine of Prayer

The chapter provides an example of David's prayer life, as he expresses his longing for God and his desire to seek Him earnestly. This is a model for our own prayer lives, as seen in Psalms 63:1-2.

The Doctrine of God's Presence

The chapter highlights the importance of God's presence in our lives, as David yearns to be in His presence and to experience His power and glory. This is seen in Psalms 63:1-2, where David expresses his deep longing for God.

Lessons from Psalms 63

1. The Importance of Longing for God — The chapter teaches us the importance of longing for God and seeking Him earnestly. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, as seen in Psalms 63:1.
2. The Power of Remembering — The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past actions and character. This helps us to trust in Him and to praise Him for His power and glory, as seen in Psalms 63:3-5.
3. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness, which is a key attribute of His character. We can trust in His faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalms 63:6-8.
4. The Importance of Praise — The chapter encourages us to praise God for His power and glory. This is an important aspect of the Christian life, as it helps us to trust in Him and to cultivate a deeper longing for His presence, as seen in Psalms 63:9-10.
5. The Ultimate Fulfillment of God's Presence — The chapter points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness. This is the ultimate goal of the Christian life, as seen in Psalms 63:1 and John 1:1.

Themes from Psalms 63

1. The Theme of Longing for God — The chapter is dominated by the theme of longing for God, as David expresses his deep desire to seek Him earnestly and to be in His presence. This is seen in Psalms 63:1-2.
2. The Theme of God's Lovingkindness — The chapter emphasizes God's lovingkindness, which is a key attribute of His character. We see this in Psalms 63:3, where David remembers God's lovingkindness.
3. The Theme of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This is seen in Psalms 63:1, where David says 'I shall seek You earnestly'.
4. The Theme of God's Presence — The chapter highlights the importance of God's presence in our lives, as David yearns to be in His presence and to experience His power and glory. This is seen in Psalms 63:1-2, where David expresses his deep longing for God.
5. The Theme of Praise — The chapter encourages us to praise God for His power and glory, which is an important aspect of the Christian life. This is seen in Psalms 63:9-10, where David praises God for His power and glory.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your life?
2. How does the chapter encourage you to trust in God's lovingkindness and faithfulness?
3. What are some ways that you can remember God's past actions and character, and how can this help you to trust in Him?
4. How does the chapter point to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ?
5. What are some ways that you can praise God for His power and glory, and how can this help you to trust in Him?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 63

	Sermon	Description
	How Deep Is Your Digging by Wesley H. Wakefield	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou
	(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 1-7 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting in God's ability to do His work without the need for excessive promotion or striving. He contrasts the constant ef
	It's Time to Seek the Lord by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of seeking the Lord in good times. He refers to the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 as an example of seeking God's bless
	God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless
	(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting upon God and seeking His face. They reference the story of David sitting before the Lord and how it can be an encou
	Sermon on the Mount: Hunger & Thrist for Righteousness by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. He highlights that Jesus is the preacher of this sermon and brings good news to
	Prayer Is Seeking by Wesley Duewel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond just asking in prayer to seeking God's answers. It discusses the difference between asking and seeking, highlighting the need
	A Man of God - Part 13 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on the lives of two individuals, A. B. Simpson and Keith Green, who had deep devotion to God and a zeal for spiritual matters. A. B. Simpson focused on shuttin
	Christians Have a Seeking Problem by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, highlighting the need for a deep hunger and thirst for His presence and power. It addresses the lack of seeking
	How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 6 by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the process of spiritual cleansing and growth in a believer's life. It distinguishes between the initial cleansing of past sins through Christ's blood at sal

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 63

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 63 emphasizes the importance of longing for God's presence and seeking Him earnestly. He notes that David's experience in the wilderness is a type of the Christian's experience in this world, where we are often separated from God's visible presence. However, just as David found comfort in remembering God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, so too can we find comfort in the same attributes of God's character. Henry also highlights the importance of praising God for His power and glory, and of trusting in His faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the chapter points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?