August 26, 2026

In Psalm 63 David is in the wilderness of Judah either running from Saul or in a later part of his life where he had to flee a rebellion as king. Here David is in an arid land, dry and hot, and with limited water. Pondering how he describes the situation my mouth gets dry and I think of fasting, and even remember my days cutting weight for wrestling.

During wrestling, I would have given anything for another sip of water, but I knew I had to thirst for a purpose and that was worth it to me, though difficult.

When I fast, I do get thirsty, but I find it much more bearable because the purpose here is much greater than a sport. I find joy in my Savior when I fast.

I notice the same in David's language. He describes the condition, but then all his words of thirst are thirst for the Lord. He's saying, look, even though I'm physically thirsty and exhausted, I will still open my lips and raise my hands to praise thee. Neither of those are things I want to do when I'm thirsty. I see David facing this trial yet not letting it distract him from his Savior. I see him grateful to join the Lord's yoke.

When we're tied and don't have the energy to move, move towards Christ.