David, in spite of all his shortcomings, was called “a man after God’s Own Heart!”

Yes, in Acts 13:22 Paul is quoting our great God … “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

That’s a high commendation!

Again and again in his Psalms we find David living up to that name, that testimony. In fact, many of the Davidic Psalms of Scripture are prayers within themselves.

And Psalm 63:8 is a prime example.

David writes, says to the Lord … “My soul followeth hard after thee.” Hungry for God, in other words! Thirsty for Him too!

The verb “followeth hard” is spelled “dabaq” and means “to cling to” Someone! To “stick” closely by His Side! Once in the King James Version, “to abide” with Him!

Wow!

What a prayer!

Then notice, the answer comes!

Lord, “Thy right hand upholdeth me.”

As soon as the prayer is lofted heavenward, the response drops down to David!

Biblically speaking, one’s “right hand” suggests great strength, power, ability! Plus honor!

The verb “upholdeth” is “tamak” in Hebrew. It means “to grasp, maintain, hold fast!” To seize and not let go!

That sure sounds safe, secure to me. In the great big Hands of our Almighty God!

Jesus later says of us who are saved, Christians in the true sense of the word, believers… “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Held, enclosed … by His Hand!

In Isaiah 49:16 God pledges this to His children … “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”

What I am trying to emphasize … David prayed, and God answered! Immediately!

It often happens that way to the man or woman who “follows hard” after God’s Face, His Presence!

Looks to me like not a single second lapses between the request and the Response!

Read it again.

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” That’s the Verse, the whole Verse!

Pray it … and enjoy the results!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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