God Will Bless His People

Psalm 34:1-22

A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3)

It is important to understand that these titles were added later, probably when the Septuagent was translated into Greek, and were not part of the original writing.  Fearing Saul would catch him, David pretended to be insane before Achish when he realized the Philistines had recognized him.  The Abimelech of David’s day was one of the priests.   Like many other traditions, there is nothing that indicates that this psalm was written at that time.

Once again David states his intention to praise the Lord at all times.  Instead of boasting of what he he had accomplished, he would give the credit to God.  Humble people would hear how God had blessed and rejoice, having hope that he would bless them as well.   Unfortunately, when the focus becomes on leader’s abilities, those who do not have great pride doubt their abilities and lose hope.    The goal is for everyone to magnify the Lord. 

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.  This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.  The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:4-7)

David was speaking form his own experience.  When he sought the Lord, God heard and answered his prayers, taking away his fears.  People who trust the Lord will not be embarrassed that they trusted God and he broke his promise, no matter how unworthy they may seem.   God’s spirit is with his people at all times, ready to protect or deliver them.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” (Psalm 34:8-11)

The only way to find out if you like something new is to try it.  While not everything new is good, a refusal to try them deprives us of a lot of blessings.  If people will try what God offers, they will find out they are satisfied with the result.  Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but God will always supply for those who trust him.  If they will come and learn, he will teach them to trust God.

“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:12-14)

Any person who wants to have a good life can, but there are some things that are necessary.  Jesus said we will have to give an account of every word we have spoken, even those we said without serious thought.  If we are to receive God’s blessing, we need to get our words under control, we don’t say evil things or lead others astray.  This will require a change in our heart attitude, leading to cessation of sin and an effort to do what is right, trying to get along with other people, rather than trying to get our way. 

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” (Psalm 34:15-16)

God is constantly attuned to the needs of those who seek to please him.  He is set in opposition against those who will follow his commands , and will eventually destroy them, although he gives the a chance to change their minds before he does. 

“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.  He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:17-20)

Whenever those who obey God call for help, God hears them and responds, enabling them to escape their problems.  He is close to anyone who is upset about things that are wrong in their life and wants to make real changes.   When they turn to God, people’s problems usually get worse, but they have God’s help to escape them.  They are protected from the results of things around them. 

“Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.” (Psalm 34:21)

The consequences of their actions will destroy those who persist in rebelling against God and his command and hate those who do what is right. 

“The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” (Psalm 34:22)

God has bought back the soul of those who serve him, and they will never be cast aside with nothing to show for their service.