For many when we grieve Ps. 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” is a source of comfort.  When we feel alone, we might say: “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me.” Psalm 22.  In times of uncertainty, Ps. 16 “Lord show me the path for my life.”  In times of joy and thanksgiving we might proclaim “Let all praise the name of the Lord,” Ps. 148. One of my favorites is Ps. 63 “My Soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”   It is a long story of how this became my favorite Psalm, and this week I hope to share some of that story with you, but for now a little background and a question: 

It is believed that David wrote Psalm 63 during a time of exile.  He had lost the throne of Israel and was feeling spiritually separated from God, wandering in the Judean wilderness.  David recognizes that in order to have fulfillment he must reconcile with God.  In Ps. 63, he expresses his, and by extension our, desire to seek after God; to have a deep and personal relationship with our creator.  There is no greater, thirst, hunger, or longing that we can experience then when we are feeling separated from God.  

When you are experiencing a thirst that a simple glass of water will not satisfy, where do you go?  

Cecilia Carroll Advent Square Director Humble Servant and Handmaid of the Lord