Let’s praise God together
Opening Prayer
God, You are good. You rescue and You redeem. You are worthy of praise.
Read Psalm 34:1–22
[1] Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. [2] I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. [3] Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. [4] I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. [5] Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [6] This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. [8] Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. [9] Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. [10] The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. [11] Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. [12] Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, [13] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. [14] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; [16] but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. [17] The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. [18] The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; [20] he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. [21] Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. [22] The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does David see God at work?Traditionally this psalm was written when David, on the run from King Saul, finds himself in the court of the Philistine King Achish (the name Abimelech at the head of this psalm, meaning “my father is king,” could simply be a title). Fearing for his life, David pretends to be mad so that Achish sends him away (1 Sam. 21:10–15). So great is David’s relief and gratitude that he determines to praise God at all times (1,2). He recalls that God throughout history has rescued his people; verse 7 may refer to Joshua’s encounter with the angel of the Lord (Josh. 5:13–15). But more than this, he calls anyone who, like him, has been in desperate need (4,17–20) to join him in tasting and seeing the goodness of God (8). Note what he urges them to do (8–14). This psalm invites action, indeed commands it, both literally and metaphorically. List the verses which refer to speaking, tasting, listening, seeing and intentionally doing what is right. The Lord himself is active in rescuing, listening, providing and protecting. How energetic are you in your journey with God? How far do you urge others to be spiritually energetic, joining you in worship and praise?
Apply
Touching in turn your eyes, ears and body to make you active mouth, hands and feet, ask God for service and worship.
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