Background
Saul was the first King of Israel but over time he turned away from God. David was then anointed to succeed him as King and, having killed Goliath, had become a hero of the people. Saul was jealous of David and tried to have him killed. It is thought that David wrote Psalm 34 at this time.
Bible Reading: Psalm 34:1-8
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
A Reflection:
King David faced many fears in his life, including bears and lions when he was a shepherd boy, alone on the hillside, Goliath in single combat, the armies of neighbouring countries when he became king, and later rebellion within his own family. And yet he was able to say, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise will always be on my lips.’
True praise is not about on our circumstances, which will fluctuate, true praise is about the person and nature of God, and that never changes. Whatever we face in life, God’s love for us never wavers and he is always worthy of our praise.
David discovered that when he turned to God in praise, whatever he was facing, things started to change. But the changes began in David, not with his circumstances. As he lifted his face to God, he became radiant, something within his spirit was released that affected his very countenance.
What are the things that cause you to fear? They may be personal, such as health or finances, they may be concerns for loved ones, or they may be further afield in matters of politics and world peace. Are you able to turn to God in praise, despite your fears, and trust him to deliver you?
But it didn’t stop with David; praise is infectious. Aware of God's faithfulness, he calls on those around him who are similarly afflicted to hear and to rejoice, saying to them, ‘Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together’.
Having found refuge in God and experienced his faithfulness, David is then able to say to those around him, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’. Is there someone you know who is struggling, who you could encourage by saying to them, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’.
Pray:
Lord God, I praise you for who you are and trust you with the things that trouble me.
Amen
Bless the Lord, O my soul
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