If you have ever been lost in the wilderness you know how terrifying of an experience that can be. Panic can quickly overtake you and make the situation even worse.

Psalm 63 is a post from David while he was in the wilderness of Judah, a harsh desert wasteland. I’ve been there and I know it’s a great place to live – if you’re a camel.

But notice David was not lost in the wilderness. He knew exactly where he was at all times. Not only did he survive in the wild, David thrived. How?

1. Since he stayed focused on God, he never lost his bearings. While deep in the wilderness, David looked up and said “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (v. 1). In other words, David never lost track of his “due North.”
2. The majestic character of God was his focal point – not the ugliness of the terrain. David told the Lord, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you” (v. 3).  No matter how uncomfortable our personal circumstances may be, the attributes of God – His love, His power, His faithfulness – are still beautifully in tact and worthy of our praise.
3. Though he was alone, he practiced the presence of God. It is one thing to be in the wilderness of life, but another to be out there by yourself. David succeeded because he proceeded as if God was right there with him the whole time. He said, “for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (v. 7-8). 

Life can get wild at times. Circumstances can be incredibly harsh. Things like health issues and relationship problems can make it very difficult for us to find our way. But there’s no need to panic. Because of Jesus, we are never lost in the wilderness.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.