05.01. Following Hard

Following Hard by E.W. Bullinger David’s Darkness David’s Desire David’s Determination David’s Delight "My soul followeth hard after Thee; Thy right hand upholdeth me" (Psa 63:8). The title of this Psalm ("A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah" -- KJV) tells us that even in Canaan, though a fruitful country, there were wildernesses. But though David was in a desert, there was no desert in him;, for he thirsted for the living God. The whole Psalm is one of the most beautiful in the Psalter. It has been said of it by Donne, that "as the whole book of Psalms is as ointment poured forth upon all sorts of sores -- a cerecloth that supples all bruises -- a balm that searches all wounds -- so there are some certain Psalms that are imperial, Psalms which command all affections -- universal Psalms that apply to all necessities... The spirit and soul of the whole book of Psalms is concentrated into this one."

Truly we do find described many of the exercises, the trials and the changes to which the living children of God are subject. David found that the path of his earthly pilgrimage was one of tribulation; but in the midst of all his darkness, difliculties and doubts, he found a secret something cheering his heart, and keeping him from despair. Though the dark shade of his manifold transgressions hung heavily upon his spirit, and the lowering cloudof perplexing providences wrung many a bitter cry from his heart, yet hope, sweet hope, sought in the gloom for one ray, however faint, of heavenly satisfaction in his God. This Psalm is divided into two parts:

Those who seek after God (Psa 63:1-8);

Those who seek the soul of God’s Servant (Psa 63:9-11). The first eight verses are divided into 7 members (alternated). Four showing God’s goodness and a consequent resolve, alternating with three, of which the writer himself is the subject. Our text is part of the last of these four -- Goodness and Resolve.

I. Thou art my God, Early will l seek Thee;

II. Thy lovingkindness is better than life My lips shall praise Thee.

III. God satisfying with marrow and fatness; My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips.

IV. God helping and upholding, My soul rejoicing and following. May this gracious God be our Teacher, and warm our cold hearts with His love, and cheer us with Heavenly light, while we consider the beauties of these verses.

We have four subjects, each of which we may describe by a word beginning with "D". David’s Darkness, Desire, Determination, and Delight.