C. S. Lewis reminds us we weren’t made to be floating spirits; we’re physical people, and that’s by design. Eugene Peterson says the goal of the Christian life is “life, life, and more life” (Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places, 2003).
Jesus echoes this truth: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). He is the bread of life, meeting our deepest hunger and thirst (John 6:35). The Heidelberg Catechism encourages us to trust that God provides for body and soul (Q&A 1). Even our hymns sing it: “All that is needful has been sent by his gracious ordaining” (“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”).
Read Psalm 63:1–8 aloud. Identify how the good gifts of life find their ultimate fulfillment in the better-than-life fellowship of God. God’s gifts—food, sleep, play, security, breath in your lungs—are reminders of God’s love, and they point us to something even greater: eternal life in Jesus (John 17:3).
Read Psalm 63 together.
Psalm 63 (The Message)
God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!
If I’m sleepless at midnight,
I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you’ve always stood up for me,
I’m free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
and you hold me steady as a post.
Discussion questions
- Why do some feel uneasy praying for health, peace, or material needs?
- When do earthly goods draw us away from Christ?
- How do you imagine that God’s presence is better than life?
- How do you experience God’s better-than-life presence through everyday things such as food, rest, and relationships?
- How have you experienced life and “better than life” in public worship?
Read through Psalm 63 again slowly, savoring the goodness of God. As you close in prayer, thank God for physical blessings such as food, rest, and friendships. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist the temptation to turn these into idols but rather to embrace the better-than-life presence of our eternal God through them.
This devotional is part of a series of devotionals created for worship teams. You can find the whole series here.
