Psalms 34 was written when David was running and hiding from King Saul who wanted to kill him, and he had taken refuge in the city of one of the enemies of Israel, King Achish, king of Gath. While there, David had to pretend he was insane to keep from being killed by the Philistines. (Read more in 1 Samuel 21:10-14) He was in a very difficult situation but the Lord strengthened him and gave him this wonderful Psalm to encourage him, and us today.
“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” (verses 3,4,&7)
What are you afraid of today: The Corona virus, the lack of a job, problems with your marriage or children? Are you a soldier about to be deployed to a combat zone or a firefighter that may have to enter a burning building tomorrow? Whatever your situation, our God is faithful and He can deliver you and help you meet the challenges of your life. David was in fear of his life, but he tells us that He sought the Lord, and the Lord heard him and delivered him from his fears. Cry out to God! He is listening, and He is the one who will deliver you and walk with you through your trials.
“Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. (verses 8-10)
What an awesome word picture David gives us: “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” Have you tasted of His goodness? Can you look back to the place in your life where you surrendered you life to Christ and He “rescued you from the mirey pit?” If you can, then you are a saint! Not a perfect person, that never does anything wrong, as that term is defined by some people, but a follower of Christ! The apostle Paul on numerous occasions refers to the saints as his fellow Christians and here David calls those who fear (hold in awe) the Lord as saints.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart. And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers them out of the all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.” (verses 17-20)
Who are the righteous? All who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and are declared righteous because of what Christ did for mankind on the cross. No, we do not stop sinning, but He has forgiven us of all our sins, past, present, and future. God is there for you if you are broken and have a contrite heart about your sins. He will deliver all who call upon the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:21) Verse 20 is one of the prophetic verses about Jesus, since the Romans broke the legs of the other two men crucified with Him but His bones were not broken. (John 19:33,36)
Finally, David concludes the Psalm: “The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” (verse 22)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah and Amen! “The Lord redeems the souls of His servants!”
If you are putting your trust in Jesus, you will never be condemned! He is your Advocate, your Kinsman Redeemer, your Savior, and your loving Father! Are you a faithful servant and follower of Christ? You have much to be thankful for today and everyday of this life and in the life to come! Are you not a follower of Christ? Let today be the day that you surrender your life to Him! Then, go and tell your pastor, or a godly person you know and ask them to disciple you. You will never regret it!
PRAY
1. Lord, thank you for always being ready to listen to me and to fellowship with me. Help me today to hide Your Word in my heart and to remember that You are the one I can trust completely.
2. Fill me with Your Spirit today, and help me to look for people that I can come alongside and help them to put their trust in You.
3. I praise You, because You made me in Your image and “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me be in fear (awe) of you so that I can be the humble servant You want me to be.
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