I Remember You
The early Christian Church faced many trials and tribulations. As the fledgling Christians tried to make sense of their new way of life, they had many questions. It wasn’t an easy road they faced. There were many ups and downs as they navigated new relationships and a new lifestyle.
Psalm 63 was written by David when he was facing deadly enemies. It was prescribed for daily public prayers for the early church. As the early Christians faced trials, these words offer great solace and hope:
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You. On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night. Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:1-8 NIV)
These words of Scripture are rich with meaning and hope. The beautiful imagery of water helps us better understand David’s journey at this time. His words of being thirsty and a dry and weary land let us know that it was a time of great stress and suffering for him.
In these tough times David sees God’s power and glory. In his times of intense longing, he finds solace in God’s comfort.
Two things that I find very significant in this passage are firstly, that David talks about praising God as long as he lives. Even though he is currently in tough times, David knows where his hope and healing come from. To have a heart of praise is so very important and he knows this. It can change a “dry” spell into one with living water.
The second significant item is David speaking about remembering God through the watches of the night. Part of the reason that he can still praise God, even when in trouble, is that David remembers all the amazing things that God has done. As he runs the list through his mind, he sees how God’s mighty hand has been at work, not only in his own life, but in the lives of God’s people.
I have found great solace in my own life by looking back at my life and seeing God’s hand at work in it. When I really wonder where on earth God is taking me through life, I can trust Him because I have His track record to reflect on.
As I struggle through some things right now, like health concerns and job stresses, it is easy to feel like I am in a “drought” scenario. I can relate to David’s words in this psalm. I can understand his great longing to know the Lord and to follow Him.
I personally find restoration and hope when I reflect on God’s great goodness to me and to others. As I praise Him, my attitude changes from despair to hopefulness.
When life turns upside down, I pray that you may find your way by remembering the great things our Lord has done in you and through you. May you praise Him for His great goodness and His immense love for us.
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