Psalm 63
Psalm 63
The Psalms are loved by many people and probably rank rather high among the books of the Bible which are most often read by those who claim to be Christians. Since the Psalms express man's deep need for God's help and grateful thanksgiving for God's blessings, people can easily relate to the thoughts contained therein. Such is the case with the 63rd Psalm. The writer, King David of Israel, declares that God is his God, praises God for His love and protection, speaks of his reliance upon God, and prophesies the fall of the wicked ones who oppress him.
YOU ARE MY GOD AND I WILL PRAISE YOU! (verses 1-5)
Just as David declares that God is his God, so a Christian must declare and desire with all his heart to please God and glorify Him:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).
"For you were bought at a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
"Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: 'For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.' And again he says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!' And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peopes!' And again, Isaiah says: 'There shall be a root of Jesse; And he shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope" (Romans 15:8-11).
I WILL REMEMBER YOU! (verses 6-8)
"My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." These words, spoken by David in verse 8 of our text, express the Christian's determination in this life. The apostle Paul expresses this same thought in different words in an oft-quoted passage, Philippians 4:6-8: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
THE WICKED SHALL FALL! (verses 9-11)
Many passages of scripture besides these verses of the 63rd Psalm describe the downfall of the wicked. In some passages, those who do not obey God are promised earthly punishment (2 Samuel 12:7-15; Proverbs 10:13; Proverbs 19:19); in others, the wicked are promised that even if they seem to escape earthly punishment, one day - Judgement Day - eternal punishment will be meted out by God the righteous Judge (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Timothy 4:1; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Timothy 5:24; Ecclesiastes 12:14). Either way, the wicked will fall!
by Michael Hurst