Confidence In God’s Protection

Psalm 63:1-11

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” (Psalm 63:1-2)

Most of our Navajo kids live in desert or semi desert areas where there is little vegetation. And even that is rarely bright green.   Perhaps the most exciting day of youth camp for many of the kids is the day we go into the city park and allow them to play, because they so rarely get the opportunity to see the lush grass and trees.   Some simply lay on the grass in the shade for a while.  Others explore along the stream next to the park.  Still others play soccer or throw Frisbees, just enjoying the feel of the grass and the beauty. 

David describes his longing for God like the kids, living in a desert area and longing to spend time in an area where there is water and grass and trees.   Like those kids, he remembers how pleasant his times with God were and longs to enjoy them again.      

“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” (Psalm 63:3-6)

Feeling God’s blessings is even more precious than life itself and so he wants to praise him as long as he lives.   He wants to show his love in every possible way.  He will reach out to him, specifically calling his name.    He will be content to experience the blessings God gives and just enjoy the time he spends talking of what God has done for him.    When he goes to bed or wakes up during the night, his thoughts turn to his wonderful times with God. 

“Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.  My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. ” (Psalm 63:7-8)

There is a lot of difference between knowing the police are on duty to protect people  and having a personal police escort to protect you, even physically supporting you when you are unable to go on in your own power.    Because God had intervened on David’s behalf, he can relax, knowing God is there to personally protect him.    

“But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.  They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.” (Psalm 63:9-10)

Knowing that our police escort is armed and ready to shoot any person or animal that might attack us is immensely reassuring.    Under God’s protection, David knew those who sought to destroy him would soon end up in hell.    They would be killed in open confrontation, by the usual weapons while others would be destroyed by little plots and actions they dismissed as posing no threat. 

“But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.” (Psalm 63:11)

Because he has God’s protection, David was confident that he would be blessed and able to rejoice, along with everyone who were faithful.  At the same time those who lied and tried to destroy his reputation would be destroyed and their message stopped.