That’s My Psalm: Stay Close
Psalm 63 | That’s My Psalm (Part 11)
Have you ever had a season where life came at you from every side? Where the hits kept coming, and you couldn’t find your footing? That’s exactly where David was when he wrote Psalm 63.
But let’s set the scene: this isn’t just any rough patch. David is king of Israel—God’s chosen, anointed servant. And yet in 2 Samuel 15, we see him running barefoot, humiliated, because his own son Absalom has staged a rebellion against him. Imagine the heartbreak. This isn’t an enemy nation—this is his own child. David has lost his palace, his power, and his people. And in the wilderness, surrounded by dust, danger, and despair, he does something that should stop us in our tracks: he doesn’t cry for revenge, or even for his throne back. David cries out for God Himself.
That’s the heart of our series, That’s My Psalm: A Psalm for Every Season. These aren’t just ancient prayers; they are lifelines for every part of our lives—whether we’re celebrating, grieving, anxious, or feeling dry. Psalm 63 reminds us: we can’t stay faithful if we don’t stay close.
Even in the wilderness, closeness to God isn’t optional—it’s survival. And David shows us how the faithful live, even when life feels like it’s falling apart:
Scripture Focus: Psalm 63
The Faithful Crave God’s Presence
“God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.” - Psalm 63:1-2
David’s first desire isn’t for comfort or control—it’s for God. The Hebrew word for “seek” here means to seek early, as in first priority. Before panic, before planning, before posting—David chooses pursuit of God.
Notice this: David isn’t in the temple, surrounded by choirs or priests. He’s in the wilderness, and still, he worships. Because worship isn’t about location—it’s about posture.
Closeness to God doesn’t wait until life feels put together. It begins right where you are, even in the wilderness. Jesus showed us the same pattern—praying all night before choosing His disciples, and seeking His Father in Gethsemane before the cross. His closeness fueled His obedience, and ours will too. Make the choice to start your day with God, even if it’s five minutes of Scripture and prayer. Remember, your wilderness is meant to lead you to Him, not away.
The Faithful Are Content with God’s Love
“My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life. So I will bless you as long as I live; at your name, I will lift up my hands.” - Psalm 63:3-5
David declares that God’s hesed—His loyal, covenant-keeping love—is better than life itself. Even if David loses his throne, his comfort, and his companions, God’s love is enough.
This challenges our culture. We’re told life is best when we have success, safety, and fulfillment. But David insists: life is best when we have God’s love.
And Jesus proved this on the cross. He gave up His life to bring us home to God. He showed us that gaining the whole world without God is loss, but losing everything and still having God is eternal gain. When life strips away comfort, remember that God’s love is your anchor. Contentment is not found in circumstances but in Christ.
The Faithful Are Confident in God’s Justice
“When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.” - Psalm 63:6-8
David doesn’t ignore his enemies. He knows danger is real. But instead of letting fear dominate the night, he rehearses God’s faithfulness. By the end of the psalm, he moves from desperation to declaration: “But the king will rejoice in God.”
Nothing around him has changed—Absalom is still chasing him. But something in him has changed. His confidence is no longer in circumstances but in God’s justice.
Jesus modeled this too. Even on the cross, He trusted His Father with the words: “Into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Take his example don’t carry grudges. Let God handle justice. Trust that He sees, He knows, and He will act in His timing.
Put This Psalm on Repeat
Psalm 63 is a survival guide for the wilderness. It reminds us that no matter the season—loss, betrayal, uncertainty—our first need is God Himself.
Here are three takeaways to live out this week:
Seek Him First — Start every day with Psalm 63:1, “God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.”
See His Love as Better Than Life — Remind yourself daily that His love is enough.
Stay Close — End each night with Psalm 63:7, “Because You are my helper, I will rejoice.”
Church, you don’t have to wait until the battle is over to get close to God. Seek Him in the middle of your wilderness.
Because you can’t stay faithful if you don’t stay close.