Psalm 63:5

Psalm 63:5

Praise Him in the desert

Remember, this song is written by a man who is a fugitive in a desert place. He is starved of his treasured life in Jerusalem and in the sanctuary of God, the Tabernacle. The presence of the Lord God was so overwhelming “back home” that it now feels like a sumptuous banqueting hall in comparison with the meagre offerings in the desert. 

Remember too, that the partaking of meat products was usually only after a thank or fellowship offering had been made to the Lord. There is reason to believe that when David talks here about the “richest of foods” he literally means, marrow and fatness. In other words, he is intent on enjoying the Lord’s presence wherever he might be, even there in the wilderness he will be satisfied, as if he were about to enjoy a sumptuous dish of meat! He goes on, “Even though I am a fugitive, on the run in this desolate place, I will praise You, I will sing out loud in honour of You, my Lord.”

It’s one thing to sing praises when all is well and we are surrounded by the things, and the people, who make us feel good. It is another thing to well up with praise when our circumstances are harsh and empty of the comforts and normalities of life. It is even harder when we feel like fugitives in a barren landscape, where all is stripped away and what we have left are memories and our faith. Yet, we may still praise our God for He will never desert us (forgive the pun). He is always present. I understand the Psalm to mean this, that David is not hankering after his previous experiences, but he is saying, “I will enjoy Your presence Lord, despite all that has happened to me.” Believe me, that is the only way to get out of the desert, so start praising! 

 

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