Wilderness Survival

Psalm 63

The background to this Psalm is that it was written when King David was in the wilderness as the result of Absalom’s treason against him. David is in exiled from Jerusalem and away from the ark of God, the formal place of worship. Yet this wilderness experience was not enough to keep David from worshipping God.

No “wilderness” is powerful enough to keep any of us from maintaining fellowship and worship with God. God allows the “wilderness” experiences, for those of us that know God, often times for development in our lives. While true that the wilderness can be a difficult place, David came through his time by satisfying his soul through delighting in God.

How does a person delight in God? How are you able to maintain a strong desire for God?

I. Recognize Your Privilege through God – 63:1-2

A. You can know God personally.
B. You can seek God individually.
C. You can speak to God honestly.

II. Rejoice in the Perfections of God – 63:2

Lovingkindness = chesed – mercy, kindness, favor, pity, goodness.

Each of these words gives a dynamic of a relationship that exists between two people. One is in the place of being able to give that which another needs and the other is in no position to attain it for himself. David is in the wilderness—his circumstances have changed; but his God has not changed. This leads David to delight in God and to praise Him.

III. Respond with Praise to God – 63:3-8

A. My lips shall praise you – 63:3, 5
B. My hands shall be raised – 63:4
C. My soul shall be satisfied – 63:5
D. My mind shall be steadfast – 63:6

IV. Remember the Promise of God – 63:9-11

A. The wilderness is limited.
B. The end is glorious.

These responses in times of wilderness experiences are essential to the health of your spiritual life. Each response keeps my desire for God in my life strong and the potential for defeat less.

Your wilderness is limited. God is limitless. Don’t get these switched around. To do so is to live in despair and to be led into defeat versus living by faith and being led into triumph through Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14.