This psalm was almost certainly penned by King David after he had fled from his son Absalom, who had attempted to take over his father’s throne. It was an agonising situation. Absalom was David’s third son and great favourite. He was charming and handsome and clearly loved the life of pomp and ceremony. We learn that he drove in a magnificent chariot with 50 men running in front of him. After a while, the power went to his head, and he decided to rebel against his father. To be betrayed by anyone is an appalling experience, but to be betrayed by your own much-loved son must have been almost too awful to bear. In despair, David fled to the desert, and had time to reflect on what mattered most in his life. He was absolutely clear that his relationship with the living God was everything to him. “Your unfailing love is better than life,” he concluded (Psalm 63:3).

You might not have been through an experience as devastating as David’s, but all times of disappointment and tragedy can help us to reflect on life’s priorities in an intense way. David’s relationship with God was central to his life, so in the moment of despair, his gaze was fixed on the perfection of God’s love and provision. He recognised that even in this most extreme of circumstances, God was able to meet his needs. None of us knows what the future holds, so we need to ensure that we keep our relationship with God strong all the time.

What have you learned about God in the tough times that you have experienced?

Father God, thank you that you can always satisfy my deepest needs and that you will never leave my side. Amen