David spent three major periods of his life in the wilderness of Judah. First, as a shepherd boy, tending his father’s sheep (1 Sam. 16–18). Second, as a fugitive from Saul (1 Sam. 19:1–27:6). Third, fleeing from his son, Absalom (2 Sam. 15–19). Psalm 63 is one of the psalms he wrote while in the wilderness.

David is called a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). This psalm teaches us just how that came about. For periods in his life, David was on the run from someone who wanted to take his life. David could have very easily been consumed with sorrow and sadness. There were indeed times when his heart was filled with sadness, but for the most part David did not let it consume him. This psalm is one of those times when David’s heart was occupied with the Lord and not so much with the difficulties of his life. It did not mean the hard times went away; it means David’s heart would not be consumed by them.

David purposefully looked for his God in the sanctuary (Ps. 63:2). His heart was engaged with seeing the power and glory of God. David made a point to seek the Lord early in the morning, before the business of the day consumed him. David made spending time with the Lord the priority of each day!

You and I have daily choices to make. Will we let the pressures of the day dictate the pulse of our heart, or will we thirst after our God, longing for Him? David recognized that this world is a dry, thirsty land, and the only place to find water to satisfy the soul is running after his God. It is too easy to begin the day rushing out the door, and rushing right by the One who is waiting to satisfy your soul in a dry and thirsty land.