Wisdom from Psalm 34
It’s often easy to praise God when we’re on the mountaintops of life. We all know well, however, that life is full of ups and downs, and we aren’t guaranteed only happy and prosperous times.
When life feels like it’s falling apart, it can be overwhelming and disheartening. Nothing about this surprises an all-knowing God. The God of the Bible provided us with scripture to navigate the hard times. If you find yourself in the valley, Psalm 34 provides wisdom for pressing on.
Worship the Lord (Psalm 34:1-3)
In times of trouble, our first response should be to worship the Lord. That may be the opposite of what you feel like doing. David, the author of this psalm, declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” We should worship the Lord at ALL times–good and bad.
Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and goodness. When we pour the truth of scripture into our lives, it helps us overcome the lies Satan tries to feed us. This truth becomes louder than the enemy’s lies, especially in difficult times.
Corporate worship is one way to worship through the hard times. Worshiping together with other believers can lift our spirits and remind us that we are not alone. The joy of other believers can speak to our souls, even when our hearts are breaking. It encourages us when we may not feel like worshiping on our own.
Seek the Lord (Psalm 34:4-10)
David reminds us that we can call on the Lord, and the Lord will hear and answer our prayers. Turning to the One who gave us life can bring comfort and strength. David, who was brave enough to battle a giant, openly admits his fears. Verse 4 declares that, “He delivered me from all my fears.” Even the bravest among us have fears, but the Lord can deliver us and give us courage.
Verse 5 declares that those who look to the Lord are radiant and appear unashamed. When we cry out to Him, He saves us from our troubles. We cannot claim to know everything God does for us, but we can know that He is for us. God’s intervention often includes unseen protection, like in verse 7.
Verse 8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Seeking the Lord ensures we lack no good thing.
Fear the Lord (Psalm 34:9-16)
Fearing the Lord means having a reverence and awe for Him. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding who God is and who we are in relation to Him brings clarity and safety. Those who fear the Lord desire good (v. 12), speak truth (v. 13), pursue peace (v. 14), pray passionately (v. 15), and trust Him (v. 15-16).
Trusting in God and thinking biblically helps us reject the enemy’s lies. Jesus’s righteousness is imparted to us upon salvation, and the devil’s accusations hold no weight. The enemy wants us to doubt and run from God, but God wants us to lean into Him.
Take Refuge in the Lord (Psalm 34:8, 17-22)
Verse 8 says, “Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” The Lord is our shelter, shield, and redeemer. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (v. 18). Verse 22 completes the thought by saying, “none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.”
Life’s afflictions come, even for the righteous, but the Lord delivers us from all with His divine presence. Living for Christ isn’t about escaping difficulties but about finding refuge in God amidst them.
Once we’ve experienced God’s goodness in the midst of life’s chaos, we can assure others that they, too, can “taste and see that the Lord is good.” No matter how bleak things may seem, turning to the Lord in worship, seeking Him earnestly, fearing Him rightly, and taking refuge in Him provides a sturdy framework for when life feels like it’s falling apart.
