Psalm 54:4

Psalm 54:4

Behold, God is my helper;

the Lord is the upholder of my life.

Oftentimes when we most need something, we see that God is that something. There are two ways we can go about this. The incorrect way is to make God into who we want Him to be so that He can fill our needs. A right approach, however, is one in which we realize that we are far too weak to do anything about our circumstances but that God is not; He is the Remedy. Therefore in our time of need, He is the helper; in death He upholds us.

David could not get a firm grasp on this until his life was in danger (v. 3). He needed a Savior, and that Savior was the Lord. It was not merely God's help that David sought; it was God, the Helper, the Upholder.

We need not seek individual gifts. It is unsatisfying and foolish. Rather, at all times let us seek that Giver, the God who sees and satisfies. He will be an unfailing Refuge amid times of evil. He will bring comfort by His own goodness and faithfulness. He is the Upholder.

Psalm 107:9

Psalm 107:9

For he satisfies the longing soul,

And the hungry soul he fills with good things.

All of creation is dependent on God for life and sustenance. Yet there are souls who long for more than living for temporary pleasure, and they are blessed because God fills them (Matt. 5:6). Again, there are souls who have been abused by the ills of this world and long for comfort. It is they that are met by God's grace (Matt. 5:4).

It is not as though God could not satisfy the rich with greater riches. Yet His mercy chooses those who feel they have no alternative but Him. They are in greatest position to be filled because they are most hungry. They are readily met by the Saviour because they desperately need the Saviour.

God is the One who mercifully gives to the poor and clothes the naked. He has no obligation and gives not out of compulsion but out of love. There is no one to aid or assist Him and nothing to add to His kindness. And therefore He is most glorified for His gracious gift, and those who are satisfied by His grace are truly satisfied in His grace. For God Himself is the true satisfaction for every man.