Drawing From Your Reserves (Psalm 63)
- Jennifer Andersson
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
A Reflection for Thursday, March 20 by Jennifer Andersson
Lectionary for Thursday, March 20, 2025: Psalm 63:1-8; Daniel 3:19-30; Revelation 2:8-11
Selected passage for reflection: Psalm 63:1-8
Read
Psalm 63:1-8 NLT
God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
P satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
Reflect
This passage is said to have been written by David during a time in the wilderness in Judah. Most commentators believe, whether this was prior to David being king, or while he was king, he was fleeing from one who wanted him dead (either Saul or Absalom). David not only found himself in a physical wilderness, but perhaps an emotional and spiritual wilderness as well. In the first few verses, David’s words paint a picture of near desperation. He is earnestly searching for God, with a thirst that consumes his whole body. The parched and weary land — of his surroundings, and perhaps his spirit — have given no relief. There is no water. His circumstances sound dire. Hopeless. And yet, even in this time of desperation, David somehow finds the ability to thank God and offer praise, because I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Notice how his praise is drawn from experiencing God in the past, not necessarily in his current state. His praise comes from a place of having already seen and experienced his Creator’s unfailing love. He clings to this deep knowing of God’s provision and presence. David talks of lying awake, meditating on you through the night. In the shadow of your wings. In this season of Lent, a time where we are invited to accompany Jesus in a desert place where even the Holy relied on what was deeply known over what may be currently experienced. How are you being invited to draw from your own well of knowing this day?
Respond
As you pause and take time to meet with the Spirit this day through this passage, slowly read it one or two more times. Be present to each word. Breathe.
In the silence you give yourself now, ask:
What does “being in the wilderness” mean to me today?
Where am I sensing God is in proximity to me today? What is my proximity to myself? To others?
What is the status of my own well? Does it have enough thirst-quenching reserves, or does it need replenishing, even if it comes from a rain-storm?
Where in my life do I sense longing, as from a parched and weary land?
Where is my sense of the Holy in this wilderness?
How am I being invited to be with the Spirit, however I find myself today?
Is praise available to me today?
How am I being led to draw from God’s promises to me for this day?
Rest
Take a deep, into your belly, inhale. Now slowly release it through your mouth. Repeat that a few times. Now add this breath prayer, repeating it as many times as you need:
Inhale: The world feels dim
Exhale: But I can dream in the dark
Inhale: The world feels dim
Exhale: But I can rest in the dark
(From Cole Arthur Reily’s Black Liturgies)
About the Author
In her work life, Jennifer finds expression as a spiritual director, retreat leader, pastor, clinical social worker, advocate, and most especially, beloved child of God. In April of 2023, Jennifer opened the “doors” of Journey Center of Michigan to make space for meeting people where they are on their spiritual journey, especially for those who don’t or can’t find expression in traditional settings. Through it all, she loves to discover and expand her understanding and experience of God through relationship, creation, music, nature, and creative expression.
This reflection is part of a series called Prayerful Reflections: A Daily Devotional for Lent 2025. Join us on the blog each day for a new reflection from a different writer, or download the pdf of the entire devotional by clicking the link.
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