Scripture: 2 Samuel 17:15-29, Psalm 3, Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 18:1-19:30
"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you." (Psalm 63:1a NLT)
David’s own son had overthrown him as king. You can hear the conflicting emotions in the voice of this father-king as he gave commands of attack, but asked that his son not be harmed. He then found himself in an old familiar place: held up in a cave, crying out to God.
From the depths of the cave—and his heart—David cried out to God. He sought God earnestly to help him differentiate between his paternal instincts and his kingly responsibilities. The Hebrew word earnestly is shachar and is defined as to seek, early or earnestly, look for early or diligently. We can only imagine the physical, mental and emotional predicament his son’s rebellion brought the king’s soul.
At some point in our lives, we’ll all experience a time when we need to earnestly seek the Lord for wisdom and help. There is no way to avoid the caves, canyons, and chasms of this world: betrayal, job loss, sickness, death of a loved one, and more. Rather than waiting until we’re forced into our ‘cave,’ it’s imperative to form a habit of sincerely looking to God now. Then, when one of these hardships occurs, seeking God is second nature. Such a relationship makes cave dwelling more bearable.
I love Psalm 63:1-4 in The Message translation. Whether you are in cave, canyon, chasm, or at the top of the mountain, praise the Lord while reading this Psalm aloud.
God—you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
