Seeking the One who satisfies

Sunrise

David wrote in Psalm 63, “You satisfy me as with rich food; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips. When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings” (5-7).

What I love about David’s words here is how he expressed his satisfaction in God. It’s a relationship of intense enjoyment. Think about that: He genuinely enjoys God, not in an abstract way, but in practice. He praises with joyful lips. He thinks of him late into the evening and as he goes to bed. David describes himself as one who literally can’t stop thinking about God!

Which is strange for so many of us, of course. After all, we so often want it to be the reverse—that God can’t stop thinking about us. (Which is an issue for another time.) But strange or not, it’s worth asking ourselves the question:

When was the last time we set aside time and just enjoyed God?

When did we last open the Bible, just to read it? To hear from God? Not hoping to find a verse that answers the prayer request we’ve had for the last six months, or (depending on your convictions) seeking a special word just for you. When did we read just to learn more about him, and to enjoy his presence in that respect?

This is one of the great themes of the Bible, especially in the psalms. Throughout, the Bible is described sweeter than honey, enlightening, pure, clean, good, righteous, and more desirable than gold.

Whenever a psalmist—whether David or another—writes about God’s Word, there is an unabashed delight in the tone. They’re the words of people satisfied by God—satisfied with the One who is their helper. This is one of the many things I love about the psalms. it’s one of the many things I love about the Bible. In it, we meet the One who matters more than anything. Let’s never stop seeking him, the only One who truly satisfies.

Posted by Aaron Armstrong

Aaron is the author of several books for adults and children, as well as multiple documentaries and Bible studies. His latest book, I'm a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ is available now.