Seek Him early
O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. ~ Psalms 63:1-2
After reading the Psalm today, I felt challenged by David’s intense longing for God. He says, ‘My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You.’ This made me stop and ask: Do I have this same hunger? Do I seek God as if He is the only One who can satisfy me? Even though I spend time with Him every day, am I truly seeking Him with all my heart?
Even though I do spend time with Him every day, I know I do not have the intensity that I could have to pursue His plan and path for my life. Granted, I understand that When David wrote this Psalm, he was hiding in the wilderness, cut off from comfort and safety. He pressed into God because he had nowhere else to turn. It’s natural to seek God more intensely in times of trouble, but what about the dry seasons that feel like ordinary routines? In those moments, we may go through the motions, but our hearts can feel parched.
I remember a time when I found myself in my own ‘wilderness’—not because of crisis, but because of the routine demands of life. My schedule was full, yet my heart felt empty. I realized that, like David, my soul was thirsting for God in a deeper way, but I had been trying to fill that emptiness with busyness rather than pressing into His presence.
I so related to these words in Psalm 63. They became my own desire for the dry and mundane life I was living at that time: In that moment, I understood that the dry places we go through are invitations to seek Him more earnestly, to draw close and find satisfaction in His presence. As I pressed into Him in the early morning and spent intentional time with God, something in me began to shift. My circumstances didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. The dryness gave way to a renewed sense of peace and purpose. God filled my soul with His love, strength and joy unspeakable.
If you are feeling that dryness in your life, below are some next steps you can take to not only pursue a deeper relationship with Him, but to also step into a closer daily walk with Him.
Next Steps: Prioritize time with God daily, first thing in the morning: Just as David sought God early and earnestly each day, making Him his first focus, you to can be intentional to set aside time at the start of your day. Whether it’s reading scripture, praying, or worshiping, create space for God to fill your heart before the busyness begins. Start with just ten minutes and let Him be the first voice you listen to each morning.
Remember His Faithfulness: Take time to reflect on God’s past faithfulness. Just as David recalled God’s power and glory in the sanctuary, revisit moments when God came through for you. Write these down as reminders that He is still the same God, and let those memories build your confidence and hope in His love for you.
Pour Out Your Heart to Him: Be honest about any spiritual dryness, fears, or needs. God already knows, but pouring out your heart opens the door for healing and intimacy. As you share your heart, you’ll find that He is a compassionate listener, ready to renew and restore.
Seek Community: David eventually returned to God’s people. We, too, thrive in community. Find a small group, serve on a team, or join a Bible study where you can be encouraged in your walk. Community provides perspective, support, and accountability that strengthens our relationship with God.
Today I want to encourage you to let David’s words be an invitation to seek your heavenly Father, with renewed passion—even in life’s dry seasons. Know that He alone is your lasting satisfaction, your source of strength and joy. Whatever wilderness you may face, your heavenly Father is ready to fill your heart with His love, peace, and purpose. Press into Him today and your soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and your mouth will praise Him with joyful lips.
Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 63
1O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
2So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.
3Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.
4Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6When I remember You on my bed, meditate on You in the night watches.
7Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
9But those who seek my life, to destroy it, will go into the lower parts of the earth.
10They will fall by the sword; They will be a portion for jackals.
11But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.