“I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises! If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you’ve always stood up for me, I’m free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.” - Psalm 63:5-8 (The Message)
Desert Survival 101:
Use shelter and skin coverings to stay out of the sun as much as possible
Work during nighttime hours and avoid overexertion to limit perspiration
Breath through the mouth and avoid salty foods to decrease the body’s need for water
Don’t panic!
David spent a lot of time in the wilderness, first as a young shepherd boy, later running from King Saul’s attempt to murder him, and yet again when his son Absalom attempted to seize the throne. David wrote many of the Psalms in the midst of all of this running and surviving in the wilderness. In these prayer hymns we catch a glimpse of both David’s outer circumstances and inner growth.
His outer circumstances were often dismal. He traveled through a harsh, dry landscape, filled with dangerous animals and equally dangerous men. Food was hard to come by and daily existence was precarious.
And as if all of this wasn’t struggle enough, David faced nearly constant animosity. First from his brothers who call him conceited (1 Samuel 17:28), later from King Saul whose jealousy propelled him to murderously pursue David for years (1 Samuel 18:7-11), and then perhaps worst of all, when his own son orchestrated a traitorous power-play (2 Samuel 15).
But through all of his wilderness wandering, David consistently turned toward God for comfort and strength. His Psalms read much like a Desert Survival Guide. In the most difficult of circumstances, David avoided panicking or overexerting himself by looking toward God for his protection and provision. We can learn a lot from his example.
Questions to Consider:
When have you experienced desert or wilderness in your spiritual life?
Which survival tip do you have the hardest time following? Why?
Which Psalm do you find most comforting? Why?
Prayer: Pray the words of Psalm 63 (or another of your choice) as your own.
