Vs1, A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. "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."

There's no water. There's no salvation in self. Salvation is of the Lord. It's his gift of grace to poor sinners.

There's no hope in man. We thirst. We cannot satisfy our souls. Only God gives us what we need.

Look to him to fill, and thrill you. Look to his love. Don't believe in yourself. Put no trust in the world. Only God can meet our deepest need for peace and communion. Only he satisfies the soul.

[4] "So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."

God's name is our victory and praise. It's his grace, and righteousness imputed. It's the finished work of the cross, and power over sin by the Spirit. It's the mercy of God to the transgressor, and his faithfulness to the poor in spirit. God's praised for who he is, when we are nothing.

We've done nothing, and we do nothing. Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure." Glory is his. He works in us to do and to will. It's God from start to finish.

Cast away the burdens. Come to God for grace. Put away pride and human zeal. Receive. Receive.

[7] "for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy."

There's joy in the Lord Jesus Christ. Soul satisfying joy. Human zeal can't produce it: it's not in the deception of doing something for God. It's in grace, and God doing for you, which rejoices.

Put away the strength of man, and rest. Trust God for everything, based on the FINISHED WORK of Calvary. Don't rely on seeking, nor trust in yourself. Look to grace only. Then, you'll see the joy of God's Holy Spirit, and the sweetness of his help. You'll be the helpless sinner, rather than the contributor, and your joy will be full. He'll give you obedience.

Man's way is self exertion, and looking to self. It diminishes grace. God's way is peace, and he teaches us faith. He delivers us from carrying burdens.

[11] "But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped."

Finally, sin shall be defeated. Its power will be broken. God delivers us, like David. He comforts the transgressor, and brings grace to the fearful [2 Sam 6]. He shatters self confidence, gives faith, and then delivers us from sin. Proud self righteousness turns aside, and Christ is seen. He gives us a loving spirit with gentleness and peace.