Seeking and Seeing God: A Prayer of /Longing for God- Lessons from David’s Sanctuary

Text: Psalm 63

Introduction

Good morning, Church. Today, we are diving into Psalm 63, a beautiful Psalm written by David during his time in the wilderness. Through this Psalm, we will explore how David sought and saw God, and how we can apply these principles in our lives today as believers who are the living sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit.

Let us begin by reading Psalm 63 together.

I. Understanding David’s Context

A. David’s Wilderness Experience Psalm 63 is attributed to David, written while he was in the wilderness of Judah. This period could be when he was fleeing from Saul or during Absalom’s rebellion. In these challenging circumstances, David expressed his physical and spiritual thirst for God.

B. The Tabernacle and Sanctuary The tabernacle was the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence.

Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem: One of David’s notable acts was bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). This event signified making Jerusalem the spiritual and political center of Israel.

Organizing Worship: David organized the Levitical priesthood and established structured worship, which is evident in the Psalms (1 Chronicles 16:4-6).

Preparing for the Temple: Although David was not allowed to build the temple due to his history as a warrior (1 Chronicles 28:3), he made extensive preparations for its construction. He gathered materials, provided detailed plans, and instructed Solomon to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:2-5).

David’s connection with the sanctuary is reflected in his longing for God’s presence (Psalm 63:2).

C. Practices of Seeking God in David’s Time

Prayer and Meditation: David often engaged in prayer and meditation, reflecting on God’s character and promises (Psalm 63:6).

Worship: David’s worship involved singing, playing instruments, and physical expressions like lifting hands (Psalm 63:4; 2 Samuel 6:14).

II. The Sanctuary for Today’s Believers

A. The Church as the Corporate Sanctuary

The New Testament often refers to the collective body of believers as the temple of God. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul writes, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Gathering of Believers: When believers gather for worship, prayer, and fellowship, they form a corporate sanctuary (Matthew 18:20).

Importance of Corporate Worship: Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the significance of gathering together: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

B. The Believer’s Body as a Personal Sanctuary

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Each believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means that God’s presence dwells within each believer, making their body a personal sanctuary.

Personal Devotion and Worship: Individual believers are called to maintain personal devotion through prayer, Bible study, and worship. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), setting an example for personal communion with God.

Living Sacrifices: Romans 12:1 encourages believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of spiritual worship.

III. Correlating Our Seeking and Seeing God to David’s Time

A. Desire and Longing

David: Expressed a deep thirst for God, seeking His presence earnestly (Psalm 63:1).

Today: We must cultivate a deep longing for God by prioritizing time with Him daily, showing earnest desire in prayer, worship, and obedience.

B. Experiencing God’s Presence

David: Experienced God’s presence in the tabernacle and during personal times of reflection.

Today: We experience God’s presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit, in corporate worship, and personal devotional times.

C. Worship and Praise

David: Praised God with singing, lifting hands, and musical instruments.

Today: Engage in diverse expressions of worship—singing, praying, journaling, and lifting hands—both in church and personally.

D. Meditation and Reflection

David: Meditated on God’s word and character, especially during night watches (Psalm 63:6).

Today: Regularly meditate on Scripture, reflect on God’s attributes, and journal insights and prayers.

IV. Real-World Applications

A. Develop a Regular Devotional Routine

Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer, Bible reading, and worship. This helps build a habit of seeking God consistently.

B. Engage in Corporate Worship

Attend church services regularly to experience God’s presence in the community of believers. Participate actively in worship and teaching moments.

C. Create Sacred Spaces

Identify a quiet place at home or work where you can retreat for personal worship and reflection. Make it a special spot for encountering God.

D. Serve Others

Find ways to serve in your church and community. Acts of service are a powerful way to seek and honor God through loving others (Matthew 25:40).

E. Practice Mindfulness of God’s Presence

Throughout the day, remind yourself of God’s presence with short prayers, Scripture recitations, or listening to worship music. This continual awareness nurtures a deeper relationship with God.

Conclusion

David’s Psalm 63 beautifully encapsulates a heart that seeks, worships, and trusts God amidst adversity. By understanding David’s context and correlating it to our lives today, we can develop a deep longing for God, experience His presence continually, and live out our faith as living sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit.

Let us be inspired by David’s example to earnestly seek God, both in our personal devotion and our corporate worship, trusting that His steadfast love is indeed better than life. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of David’s deep longing and earnest seeking of You. Help us to cultivate a similar passion in our hearts. May we experience Your presence daily, both in our personal times of devotion and in our corporate gatherings. Strengthen us to live as Your holy sanctuaries, reflecting Your love and glory in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.