Read Psalm 63:5-8. 5My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
David’s starving, thirsty soul (v.1) is now feasting on God’s fat and rich spiritual food. His soul is satisfied, and his lips are full of praise. Both his time in the wilderness and the time spent in sleepless nights in his own bed draw his heart to God.
How can we train our hearts to remember all that Christ has done for us, especially on sleepless nights? Only by spending time in the shadow of God’s wings.
We know that when David became king and brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he did not return it to the Tabernacle. He placed it in a tent in his own backyard so that he could sit in God’s presence in the shadow of the wings of the cherubim whenever he desired. For 30 years David would live before God’s mercy seat without the sacrifice of blood, only the sacrifice of praise.
Now, in Christ, we are the tent pitched by God for the presence of God. And to live is Christ is to live constantly under the shadow of the mercy seat of God. No blood required, for Jesus has paid it all. Only praise remains. Even on those sleepless nights when worry would seek to steal our peace.
You: How often throughout the day does your mind turn to Christ?
You in Christ: You are living constantly in the shadow of Christ’s merciful cross. How does this allow you to face the day with strength and joy?
Christ in you: How can you train your mind to think of Christ throughout the day? How can you train your heart to remember all that Christ has done?
Pray: Jesus because your right hand upholds me, I can and will cling to you. Keep me under the shadow of your merciful wings. Amen.
To Live is Christ 