Blog
“Psalm 34 – Praising and Trusting in God”
Categories: Magnify the Lord!(By Michael Walls)
It seems fitting that the first psalm we write about would be Psalm 34, of which verse 3 is the basis for the title of this blog: “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his hame together!” David wrote this psalm when he escaped from the Philistines by pretending to be insane (1 Samuel 21). David personally experienced what he later wrote about.
An interesting feature of this psalm is the format, which is an acrostic. We will write more about various characteristics of Hebrew poetry in other blogs, but for now, let us all recognize that the psalms are poetry, and they were written in several different forms and styles. Here, David used the acrostic form, which is where the first word in each line begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Unfortunately, this does not translate into the English language well, so we often miss this. I am sure most of you did acrostic poems when you were in school, or your kids have. They are an interesting way to develop thoughts, and they may aid in memorization. Consider that until recent history, paper and books were expensive and not readily available, teaching had to be memorized and passed down orally. Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press was not until around 1500 AD and so began a massive surge in creating cheap printed materials available to everyone.
The psalm itself naturally breaks down into five parts and still encourages the person of God today to praise and trust God with all our hearts.
David began the psalm in verses 1-3 by committing to praise God daily and inviting the reader to join him, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (v.1) Christians are encouraged to “…sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19) and “…let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” (Hebrews 13:15) As David committed to daily praise with his brethren, let us do the same!
The second section is in verses 4-7. David recounted his own experience of calling on God and being delivered. “I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (v.4) The New Testament reminds us of God’s protection as well, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) David lived his life in faith, knowing that God was there: when he fought Goliath, when he fled Saul, when he ruled the kingdom of Israel. He was not perfect, but he was faithful. You and I can do the same.
After telling us about God’s faithfulness, David encouraged the reader to also trust in God in verses 8-10. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (v.8) This is a common theme in David’s psalms. God is our ONLY refuge. Salvation is ONLY through Jesus, “I am the way,” Jesus said (John 14:6) “No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is spelled out clearly throughout Scripture and is not a mystery. Who do you trust in and why? When push comes to shove, where do you go for guidance and help? God or someone else? Do you trust God or trust the “experts”? Do you trust Jesus or trust your gut? David trusted God, and so should we.
In the fourth section (v 11-14), David called the reader to righteous living. “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (vv.13-14) What a great and practical statement! God is creator, God is the loving king, God’s rules therefore are completely righteous. Naturally, the New Testament echoes this sentiment, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) If we follow this command, not only will we be pleasing to God, but our lives will be better here – in our relationships, in our work, in our efforts to teach the gospel, in every way.
Finally, in the last section (v 15-22), David reminded us of not just God’s faithfulness, but his love and care for us. It is not out of some sense of duty that God watches over us, it is because he loves us. David notes several ways this happens: The Lord sees and hears the cries of the righteous (v.15). He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit (v.18). Though the righteous face many troubles, the Lord delivers them from them all (v.19). Nothing has changed; God still does this every day! “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; (1 Peter 3:13-15) God is good! Do you remember that fact every day?
Psalm 34 reminds us all that God cares for his people and that he is worthy to be praised. Let us resolve to praise God continually, together, and seek righteousness all our days.
