My Soul Thirsts for God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 63

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 63, a poignant cry from the heart of David in the wilderness of Judah, resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of spiritual longing and divine intimacy. This psalm, often recited during Matins, encapsulates the soul’s insatiable thirst for God, a yearning that transcends earthly comfort and finds solace only in His presence. We will explore how David’s experience mirrors our own journey towards spiritual intimacy with God, examining the geographical context, the psalm’s rich imagery, and the profound theological truths it reveals. Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, we will unpack the timeless relevance of Psalm 63 for cultivating a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This intimate encounter with God, as echoed in the wilderness experience, becomes a guiding light towards understanding our own spiritual deserts and finding divine springs of living water. It is a call to seek Him earnestly, to experience His power and glory, and to live a life transformed by His love.

Psalm 63, a prayer of King David, reflects a deep yearning for God amidst trials and isolation. We will explore the verses within their historical and spiritual context, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition and Patristic wisdom to understand the psalm’s enduring message. Our focus is on spiritual intimacy with God, how it is nurtured, and how it sustains us in times of difficulty. Discover how this ancient prayer speaks to the modern soul, offering guidance and hope in our own wilderness experiences. The psalm’s power lies not merely in its beauty, but in its invitation to enter into a deeper, more personal relationship with the divine.

Commentary Sections 📖

Psalm 63:1 (KJV)

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

David begins with a powerful affirmation: “O God, You are my God.” This isn’t a generic acknowledgment; it’s a declaration of personal relationship, a covenantal bond. The phrase “early will I seek You” signifies the urgency and priority of seeking God above all else. His soul “thirsts” and his flesh “longs” – the thirst representing spiritual craving, and the longing representing the physical manifestation of that craving. The “dry and thirsty land” is not merely a geographical location, but a symbol of spiritual aridity, a state of separation from God. It is important to notice that David is not only talking about a desire to know God but has an urgency that he shows by seeking Him early.

St. Athanasius eloquently states, “Θεὸς γὰρ ἡμῶν, φῶς ἐκ φωτὸς, Θεὸς ἀληθινὸς ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ” (Theos gar hēmōn, phōs ek phōtos, Theos alēthinos ek Theou alēthinou), meaning “For our God is light from light, true God from true God” (Athanasius, *De Decretis*, 4). This reinforces that we are not seeking an illusion, but the very source of life and truth. We, like David, must seek Him with the same fervor, the same sense of desperate need.

• Spiritual Application: Make seeking God the first priority of each day. Start with prayer and scripture reading before engaging in other activities. Recognize that material possessions and worldly pleasures can never fully satisfy the soul’s thirst; only God can.

Psalm 63:2 (KJV)

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Psalm 63:2 (NKJV)

To see Your power and Your glory, So as I have seen You in the sanctuary.

David yearns to behold God’s “power and glory” as he had witnessed them in the sanctuary. The sanctuary was not merely a building, but a place of profound encounters with the divine. The Ark of the Covenant, the presence of the Shekinah glory, the rituals of sacrifice – all pointed to God’s awesome power and holiness. David isn’t simply recalling a past experience; he’s actively seeking to relive it, to be re-immersed in God’s presence. The longing here isn’t just for God’s presence, but for a tangible experience of his power and glory. Consider the parallels with the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor where the disciples glimpsed His divine glory (Matthew 17:1-8). Even though we often hear of the term glory it is hard for us to truly understand it as humans. The only way to fully experience God’s Glory is through the Holy Spirit.

St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Τὸ γὰρ φῶς τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἐπέλαμψε” (To gar phos tēs doxēs autou epelampse), meaning “For the light of His glory shone” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, 1:14). This echoes the experience David craved, a direct encounter with God’s radiant glory.

• Spiritual Application: Seek out opportunities to encounter God’s presence in worship, prayer, and fellowship. Attend church services regularly, participate in the sacraments, and cultivate a life of prayer. Remember that every act of worship is an opportunity to experience God’s power and glory anew. Check out the link for easy website creation and build your own site today.

Psalm 63:3 (KJV)

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalm 63:3 (NKJV)

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.

This verse encapsulates the essence of true worship. David declares that God’s “lovingkindness” (chesed in Hebrew, often translated as steadfast love or mercy) is “better than life.” This is a staggering statement. Life, with all its joys and pleasures, pales in comparison to the immeasurable value of God’s love. This lovingkindness encompasses God’s faithfulness, His compassion, and His unwavering commitment to His people. Understanding this truth leads to spontaneous and heartfelt praise: “my lips shall praise thee.” The praise offered here isn’t a forced ritual, but a natural outflow of a heart overwhelmed by God’s goodness.

St. Macarius the Great reflects, “Ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀνωτέρα πάσης ζωῆς” (Hē agapē tou Theou anōtera pasēs zōēs), meaning “The love of God is higher than all life” (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 15.21). His words confirm that God’s love is the ultimate treasure, surpassing all earthly value.

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness. Reflect daily on God’s blessings and express your appreciation through prayer, praise, and acts of service. Remember that true worship flows from a heart filled with love and gratitude for God’s unfailing lovingkindness.

Psalm 63:4 (KJV)

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Psalm 63:4 (NKJV)

Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

David resolves to bless God “while I live.” This is a lifelong commitment to praise and worship. The phrase “I will lift up my hands in your name” is a gesture of adoration and surrender. Lifting the hands was a common posture of prayer in the ancient world, signifying a reaching out to God, a willingness to receive His blessings, and a recognition of His sovereignty. To do so “in your name” means to do so in accordance with His character and will. The Greek translation “δὲ ἐπαιρῶ τὰς χεῖράς μου ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου” (de epairō tas cheiras mou en tō onomati sou) further conveys the active and intentional nature of this worship.

• Spiritual Application: Make worship a constant part of your daily life. Seek opportunities to praise God in all circumstances, both in joy and in sorrow. Cultivate an attitude of surrender to God’s will, recognizing that He is in control of all things.

Psalm 63:5 (KJV)

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

Psalm 63:5 (NKJV)

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

David describes the profound satisfaction that comes from communion with God. The image of “marrow and fatness” evokes a sense of rich nourishment and abundance. In ancient Israel, these were considered the choicest parts of sacrificial offerings, symbolizing God’s lavish provision. When the soul is filled with God, it experiences a deep and lasting satisfaction that transcends all earthly pleasures. This satisfaction leads to exuberant praise: “my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.” This is not a forced or perfunctory praise, but a spontaneous expression of joy that bubbles up from a heart overflowing with gratitude.

• Spiritual Application: Seek to nourish your soul with God’s word, prayer, and the sacraments. Recognize that true satisfaction comes not from material possessions or worldly achievements, but from a deep and abiding relationship with God.

Psalm 63:6 (KJV)

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Psalm 63:6 (NKJV)

When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.

Even in the stillness of the night, David’s thoughts turn to God. “When I remember thee upon my bed” speaks to the constant presence of God in his mind. “Meditate on thee in the night watches” suggests periods of extended reflection and prayer during the quiet hours. The “night watches” were times of vulnerability and solitude, when distractions were minimized and the soul could more easily commune with God. This shows the importance of setting aside time to think of God. This is a moment to reflect on his creations and to give Him thanks for His blessings.

• Spiritual Application: Establish a regular practice of nighttime prayer and meditation. Use the quiet hours to reflect on God’s presence in your life and to seek His guidance and wisdom. Allow God’s word to dwell in your heart and mind throughout the day and night.

Psalm 63:7 (KJV)

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 63:7 (NKJV)

Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

David recalls God’s past faithfulness: “Because thou hast been my help.” This is a powerful reminder that God is not just a distant deity, but a present and active participant in our lives. The phrase “in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice” evokes the image of a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings (Psalm 91:4). This is a symbol of God’s protection, comfort, and care. Knowing that God has been his help in the past gives David confidence and joy to rest in His protection. The Greek phrase “σκεπασθήσομαι ἐν τῇ σκέπῃ τῶν πτερύγων σου” (skepasthēsomai en tē skepē tōn pterygōn sou) adds a dimension of active covering and protection.

• Spiritual Application: Reflect on God’s past faithfulness in your life. Remember the times when He has delivered you from danger, provided for your needs, and comforted you in sorrow. Trust that He will continue to be your help in the future.

Psalm 63:8 (KJV)

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Psalm 63:8 (NKJV)

My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

David expresses his unwavering commitment to God: “My soul followeth hard after thee.” This is not a passive following, but an active and determined pursuit. “Thy right hand upholdeth me” signifies God’s strength and support. The right hand is a symbol of power and authority, and it represents God’s constant presence, sustaining and guiding David. Without God David would not be able to pursue Him; therefore, David is giving thanks for God’s help.

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of perseverance in your pursuit of God. Don’t give up when you face challenges or setbacks. Trust that God’s right hand will uphold you and guide you along the path of righteousness.

Psalm 63:9-11 (KJV)

But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Psalm 63:9-11 (NKJV)

But those who seek my life, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; They shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

The Psalm concludes with a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous. Those who seek to destroy David’s soul “shall go into the lower parts of the earth,” facing judgment and destruction. In contrast, “the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory.” The king represents the righteous, those who are aligned with God’s will. They will rejoice in God’s victory and experience His glory. “But the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped” – truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood.

• Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s justice and protection. Do not be afraid of those who seek to harm you, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Live a life of integrity and truth, knowing that God will silence the lies of the wicked.

The Desert & the Soul 🏜️

The “dry and thirsty land” in Psalm 63 is more than a mere geographical setting; it’s a powerful metaphor for the human soul’s innate longing for God. Just as the physical body craves water in the desert, so too does the spiritual being yearn for divine communion. Let us reflect on this powerful image:

• Recognizing Our Spiritual Desert: We must first acknowledge the “dryness” within our own lives. What areas of our existence feel barren and unfulfilled? Are we relying on earthly sources for satisfaction, only to find ourselves perpetually thirsty?
• The Source of Living Water: Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the “living water” (John 4:10). He alone can quench the soul’s deepest thirst. We must turn to Him, seeking His presence and allowing His grace to flow into our lives.
• Prayer as an Oasis: Prayer is our primary means of accessing this “living water.” Through consistent and heartfelt prayer, we can draw near to God, experience His love, and find refreshment for our weary souls.
• The Sacraments as Springs: The sacraments, particularly Holy Communion, are tangible expressions of God’s grace. They are like springs of living water that nourish and sustain our spiritual lives.
• Finding God in the Wilderness: David found God in the wilderness of Judah. We, too, can encounter God in the midst of our own trials and challenges. It is often in the “deserts” of life that we discover our deepest dependence on Him.
• Sharing the Water: Once we have tasted the “living water” ourselves, we are called to share it with others. We can do this through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and sharing the Gospel message.

FAQ ❓

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the meaning and application of Psalm 63:

• Q: What does it mean to “thirst” for God?

  A: To “thirst” for God signifies a deep and insatiable longing for His presence. It’s a recognition that our souls are incomplete without Him, and that only He can truly satisfy our deepest needs. This thirst motivates us to seek Him earnestly through prayer, worship, and a life lived in accordance with His will.

• Q: How can I experience God’s “power and glory” in my own life?

  A: God’s power and glory are revealed through various avenues: studying His Word, participating in the sacraments, witnessing acts of love and compassion, and experiencing His presence in prayer. Open your heart to these opportunities, and ask God to reveal Himself to you in a tangible way. Remember it is never too late to look back at past experiences to fully see His presence.

• Q: How can I cultivate a spirit of praise and worship, even when I am struggling?

  A: Even amidst trials, we can choose to focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Remember His past blessings, express gratitude for what you have, and trust that He is working all things together for your good. Praising God in the midst of adversity is a powerful act of faith.

• Q: How does Psalm 63 relate to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

  A: Psalm 63 holds a revered place in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its themes of longing for God, seeking His glory, and finding satisfaction in His presence resonate with the Church’s emphasis on spiritual intimacy and unwavering faith. It is a reminder of our need to stay connected to the divine, and of His unending love for us.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 63 invites us into a deeper understanding of spiritual intimacy with God, not just as a concept, but as a lived reality. David’s heartfelt cry from the wilderness is a timeless reminder that our souls are inherently designed to seek God. His “dry and thirsty land” becomes our own, a symbol of the emptiness we experience when we are separated from our Creator. But the psalm also offers hope: a promise that God’s lovingkindness is better than life, that His presence is a source of profound satisfaction, and that His right hand will uphold us through every trial. As we seek Him “early,” as we meditate on Him “in the night watches,” we will discover the truth of David’s words: “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness.” Let us, therefore, embrace the call to pursue God with all our heart, soul, and mind, that we may experience the fullness of His love and the glory of His presence in our lives.

Tags

Psalm 63, David, Spiritual Thirst, Coptic Orthodox, Prayer, Meditation, Wilderness, Intimacy with God, Lovingkindness, Divine Presence

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Explore Psalm 63 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover how David’s longing for God in the wilderness can inspire your own journey towards spiritual intimacy with God and a deeper connection with the divine.