Thirsting for God

David opens in the wilderness by declaring that God is his God and that his whole being thirsts for him in a dry and weary land. He remembers beholding God's power and glory in the sanctuary, then values God's steadfast love above life itself and resolves to bless him and lift up his hands as long as he lives.

A¹ Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. ²So I have seen You in the sanctuary ³Because Your loving devotion is better than life, ⁴So I will bless You as long as I live;

David says his soul will be satisfied as though at a rich feast, and his mouth will praise God with joyful lips. Through the night he remembers and meditates on God, because God has been his help, and under the shadow of God's wings he sings for joy while clinging to the God whose right hand upholds him.

⁵My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; ⁶When I remember You on my bed, ⁷For You are my help; ⁸My soul clings to You;

David contrasts his own upheld life with the fate of those seeking to destroy him, saying they will descend to the depths and be given over to the sword and scavengers. By contrast, the king will rejoice in God, and all who swear by him will exult when the mouths of liars are finally stopped.

⁹But those who seek my life to destroy it ¹⁰They will fall to the power of the sword; ¹¹But the king will rejoice in God;