Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 34

Like us, David’s life had many occasions in which God delivered him from the hands of the enemy. The greatest deliverance we know, is of course, our deliverance from sin resulting from Christ’s death on the cross. So, like David, we have many reasons to offer blessings and give praise, to our God.

Psalm 34:1-2

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

It is important to be in a church body to praise God together.

Psalm 34:3
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

The greatest attribute of a Christian, is humility, for this exemplifies Christ. The humble man, like David, seeks God in all situations.

Psalm 34:4-5
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Humble yourself before God and He will answer.

Psalm 34:6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

Humble yourself before God and He will protect you. Fear God, not man.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Feed upon Christ and you shall be nourished. Trust in Him and you shall find safe refuge.

Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

David had some formidable enemies. As a boy, he had taken down the giant, Goliath. David knew bravery, yet David knew who to fear.

Psalm 34:9
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

The secret of life is simple. Fear God and let Him be your provider.

Psalm 34:10
The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

The best proof that we truly fear God, will be seen in our obedience.

Psalm 34:11-14
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?  Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.  Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The Christian has a safe refuge in Christ.

Psalm 34:15-18
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.  The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

The Bible does not promise an easy life for those who follow Jesus. But the man who trusts God in the storm, will pass through it safely. God is sovereign. He is still in control. Though it may look like evil is winning sometimes, it is not.

Psalm 34:19-21
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.  He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.  Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

And to the one who perseveres in faith will come eternal life.

Psalm 34:22
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Bless, seek, fear, and trust God. Do these things and you will be saved for all of eternity.