O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. (v 1)
Being stuck in the wilderness and not knowing when his trials would end did not stop David from carrying out a blatant love affair - with God. Years of relationship - through good times and bad - stood him in good stead, and gave him the impetus to pen this love song to God, during a particularly difficult time of his life.
Our problems can often push us away from God, either by presenting themselves as bigger than Him, or worse, making Him out to be their source. David's attitude was entirely the opposite. There was a thirst in his soul that only God could fill, and being away from the place where he freely and publicly expressed his appreciation for His Lord was virtually unbearable. Also, his affection for God was not merely spiritual, even his physical body desperately yearned for God's presence. In an attempt to rediscover that glory and power he experienced in the sanctuary (v 2), David did the best he could in a terrible situation. He called on his memories.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. (vv 6-8)
If you've ever been away from a loved one, remembering the good times can be a lifeline, so you picture them in your mind's eye, wonder how they're doing and recall all sorts of meaningful elements of your relationship. David's attention was focused, not so much on his problems, but on that special something in his relationship with God. He called to mind God's wonderful works in his life, and spent so much time meditating (contemplating, reflecting on, pondering and mulling over) the good times that he eventually began to see God alive and working in his current situation. Suddenly, his enemies weren't so powerful after all (vv 9-10), and they would definitely get what was coming to them.
God, whom David loved and served, is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is a sun and shield who gives grace and glory to those who walk uprightly, to those who love and obey Him. As described by another psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
If you are fairly comfortable with your life right now, it is the ideal time to cultivate that loving, thriving relationship with God. Get to know Him. Begin a marker of all He's blessed you with, so that when the need arises, you'll be able to recall and meditate on them.
On the other hand, if your life is a turmoil-ridden wilderness, take a leaf out of David's book and begin to recall the beauty and power of God. If you cannot recollect any specific events in your life, open up the scriptures and ask Him to shed light in your heart over His great deeds. Take a look in Exodus for the miracles he did on behalf of the Israelites. Check out the way He delivered David from the Philistine giant; walk with Christ through the first few chapters of Mark's gospel to see His concern and provision for those who approached Him with difficulties we can only imagine.
Then begin to meditate on these examples until a vision of God comes alive within your heart, and as your perspective changes, you will be assured enough to sing, like David:
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. (vv 4-5 NLT)
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