It was familiar routine for many years. We both climbed out of the white minivan, and I locked the doors. As we stepped out into the parking lot, she slipped her soft hand into mine. She knew that she was safest when she was holding her mom’s hand as we walked through the big, bad parking lot. Even as a tween, she still reaches for my hand out of habit, and it makes me smile. 

Who was holding whom as my young daughter and I walked hand-in-hand? She was the one who reached out and grabbed my hand, but I was the one who wouldn’t let go. I was the one who would scoop her up and rush her to safety if danger threatened. If she forgot to reach out and grab my hand one day, I’d reach for hers and grasp it tight. 

As we continue making our way through Psalm 63, we see that David holds on to the Lord even as he is held by the Lord. 

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) 

As we’ve studied Psalm 63 this month, we’ve seen that God was refreshing water for David’s dry soul. David knew God’s love was better than life itself. He spent nights focusing on the Lord’s faithfulness rather than his worries and regrets. Today we read that as David’s soul clung to the Lord, the Lord’s right hand held him tight. 

Are you struggling to cling to the Lord? Maybe it feels like your fingers keep slipping in the midst of fear and doubt. You’re trying to hold on, but your muscles are straining and threatening to quit. 

If your grip on God feels weak or faltering today, take comfort in these promises of God: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). 

Keep clinging, friend. And when you’re weary or overwhelmed, remember that the Lord’s steady hand upholds you. He gives you the strength and courage to persevere in the faith. He’s got a strong grip on you, and He won’t ever let go. 

No matter what you face this week, keep clinging to the Lord and trust Him to hold you. 

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The house is still quiet in the mornings as I open my Bible and place my coffee mug on the teal coaster that a friend gave me for Christmas. It says, “It’s as if no one in my family appreciates that I stayed up all night overthinking for them.”

It’s funny because it’s true. As the mom of two teens and a tween, I had a lot of opportunities to overthink even before our world was rocked by a pandemic and political turmoil. Now my nightly overthinking has shifted into overdrive.

As we continue our study of Psalm 63, we see that David had a better approach to his bedtime routine.

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

Isn’t it fascinating that David specifically mentioned thinking about God in the watches of the night? He didn’t just praise God during the day – he turned his thoughts to the Lord as he laid down to sleep.

I think God understands that when we’re alone in the dark with our thoughts, we will be tempted to stew over the past or worry about the future. Through David’s words, God shows us another way. Instead of focusing on our troubles and fears, we can meditate on what God has done and remember that we can trust Him.

These verses also tell us that David had a satisfied soul and joy-filled lips. These two things are connected—when we find our satisfaction in the Lord, it leads us to praise. We are grateful rather than grumbling. We look at our gracious God and find reasons to be joyful in all circumstances.

David behaved this way because of what he believed about God. He was satisfied, joyful, and peaceful because he knew the Lord was his refuge and his help. Rather than running out on his own to fix All. The. Things, David sang for joy in the shadow of God’s wings. And so can we.

No matter what you face this week, you can shift from anxious overthinking into peaceful praise.

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I knew January 1st wouldn’t magically change anything. I’ve left 2020 behind, but I woke up last Friday with the same pandemic, the same struggles, the same fears, and the same temptations. I didn’t become happier, holier, peaceful, or more disciplined overnight. That first workout of the year didn’t immediately reverse the effects of several months of baking. 

So maybe the problem wasn’t the date on the calendar—maybe the problem is me. What brings me joy? What am I clinging to? The year 2020 revealed a lot about the answers to these questions, and it wasn’t always pretty. If you’re in the same boat, I’ve got good news. Psalm 63 teaches us that when we seek the Lord, we will be satisfied in Him. 

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.” (Psalm 63:1-2)

The God who is our God is the only one who will satisfy the longing of our souls. David earnestly seeks God; he thirsts for God; he longs to be in the sanctuary, worshipping with the people of God. Do I want the same? 

Am I more disappointed by how the pandemic robbed me of vacations or how it disrupted our ability to meet together with other Christians? When I look ahead to 2021, am I hopeful that I will have more fun? Or do I long to be in the sanctuary with my church family, worshipping God, encouraging each other, and serving together? 

There’s no guarantee that 2021 won’t be just as disappointing as our old friend 2020. Many of us are weary. We’re discouraged and longing for normalcy. We won’t find answers by chasing entertainment, distraction, or control. But when we seek the Lord and turn our eyes upon His power and glory, He will be our peace, our joy, and our strength. His steadfast love will never fail. 

No matter what you face this week, the Lord your God will be like water for your dry, weary soul. 

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