BiblicalInsights.net

Psalm 63 is a psalm of David.  It was probably written when he was in the wilderness of Judah fleeing from Absalom, his son, during the time of insurrection.  David did not quit singing while in the wilderness.  He made his worship suitable to his circumstances.  The wilderness was a barren place.  But, there was no barrenness in his heart.  His heart was full of praise for God.
The reason for this unique, unquenchable longing for God is found in v. 3, “Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”  David’s circumstances did not dictate the passions of his heart.  His love for God did.  He compares God’s lovingkindness to life itself, indeed, a monumental comparison.
First, There is Life
There is life with all of its benefits.  The accumulation of experiences, wisdom, relationships, and accomplishments.  Add to that all of its riches.  Over the years, we accumulate wealth in property, material objects, and money.  And, to that add, all of its pleasures.  The things that we enjoy, derive pleasure from, and experience through recreational pursuits.  In addition we must add all of its honor and fame.  Every accomplishment recognized by people.  All of the applause and accolades and popularity we have obtained.  Don’t forget all of the educational attainments and the positions that we occupy along with the power that those positions give to us.  All of life must be placed on one side of the balance.  Yes, life is precious, but it is also temporal, fleeting, and filled with trouble.    “Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).
Second, There Is God’s Lovingkindness
On the other side of the balance, we must put the lovingkindness of God.  The lovingkindness of God is a combination of His love, mercy and grace.  None of these is temporal.  They are eternal aspects of the nature of God that benefit His people.  These qualities of God’s nature and character are greater in effect than any of the aspects of life because they transform life now and prepare it for eternity.  The word better is a term of comparison wherein one thing is placed above another in value, esteem glory, and effect.  Men weary of life, but no man has ever yet been found who was weary of the love and favor of God.  What could be so desirable in life if a person hath no place in the heart of God?  The grace/favor of God is all good.  There is no sorrow in it nor is there any evil attendant in it.  The grace of God bestows the abundant life (John 10:10).  This is the spiritually optimal life.  Life cannot be any better than life in Christ with the expectation of life with God forever.  The grace of God saves (Eph. 2:8-9).  Salvation is the deliverance from the penalty and practice of sin.  Sin corrupts and destroys and leads to spiritual death.  To be saved from that condemnation is to be given life in its fullest measure.  This is spiritual life and eternal life.  The grace of God transforms us into new creatures that God claims as His people.  His people are redeemed, special, distinct from the world (Titus 2:11-12).  In short, the grace of God shapes us for eternity.  David realized in the midst of dark and desperate times that God’s lovingkindness was to be prized above life.  While contemplating this monumental comparison, it lifted his spirit and brought hope in the midst of despair.  It made his heart sing.  Fortunately, he wrote about it and preserved for all generations after him these lofty thoughts drenched with spiritual insight.
I Will Praise Thy Name
Is it possible that any man should have a dog or some other possession that he loves and he would not commend it?  Yet, none of these can stand with the love of God.  How often do we speak of Him to others?  David wrote a hymn of praise in which he declares the difference between life without God and life with God.  What can God add to my life?  His lovingkindness is better than life itself!  Interestingly, Solomon, David’s son, discerned the same thing.  After Solomon had experienced everything life had to offer, he declares, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).  Oneness with God is priceless.  Everything else is vanity.