Although this psalm arises out of a particular incident in David’s life, i.e. the rebellion of Absalom, it gives us an insight into his burning desire to know God and his search after godliness. He may have been in the wilderness, separated from Jerusalem, the sanctuary and the Ark of the Covenant, but he was still able to sing and express the longings of his soul. It is in ‘the wilderness of this world’ that we discover our weaknesses and yet prove the grace and power of God.
David’s soul longed for God. '… my soul thirsteth for thee’, v. 1. He learnt that the wilderness was a dry (no moisture or sustenance) and thirsty (weary) place, where there was no water – this was the first lesson the Israelites learnt when they came out of Egypt, Exod. 15. 22. However, David was not alone. He did not simply know about God, but he knew Him personally as the God who gave him strength. ‘O God (Elohim), thou art my God (El-the Mighty One), v. 1. No wonder he rose early in the morning to seek Him and he was not disappointed! He saw God’s power and glory, even though he did not have access to the physical sanctuary in Jerusalem, v. 2. God’s loving-kindness caused his lips and his life to praise Him, vv. 3-4.
David’s soul was satisfied with God. ‘My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and with fatness’, v. 5. David’s heart was full of praise because he found his satisfaction in God. A heart that is not satisfied will never rise in praise and worship to God. David was getting little sleep at night, but he found rest on his bed by meditating on God, v. 6. He was not disturbed by anxiety or fear. God had helped him in the past. He could trust Him now and rejoice ‘in the shadow of thy wings’, v. 7.
David’s soul cleaved to God. ‘My soul followeth hard after (cleaves inseparably, as in marriage, Gen. 2. 24) thee: thy right hand upholdeth me’, v. 8. He was surrounded by enemies, but his knowledge of, and personal relationship with, God made him feel secure. Paul reminds us that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’, 1 Tim. 6. 6. David’s enemies were on a downward path to ruin, vv. 9-10, but he was on an upward path. ‘But the king shall rejoice in God’, v. 11.
