At All Times

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April 27 - Psalm 34

Open It

1. What do you think is the secret of long life?

2. What brings you the most happiness in life?

Explore It

3. What commitment did David make? (34:1-3)

4. What is the main focus of this psalm? (34:1-22)

5. What motivated David to praise the Lord? (34:4-7)

6. From what did the Lord deliver David? (34:5-6)

7. How did David describe those who trust in the Lord? (34:5-6)

8. How are angels involved in the lives of God's people? (34:7)

9. What are the benefits of trusting in the Lord? (34:8-10)

10. What do we need to know about "fear of the Lord"? (34:11-14)

11. How does God respond to the cries of the righteous? (34:15, 17)

12. What words of assurance follow David's instructions? (34:15-18)

13. How does this psalm describe the people whom God protects? (34:15-22)

Get It

14. What benefits have you seen in trusting God?

15. How does this psalm encourage you to put your trust in the Lord?

16. Why did David have such confidence in God's attentiveness to his prayers?

17. What does it mean to fear the Lord?

18. How has this psalm affected your idea of what it means to respect God?

19. What specific instructions from this psalm do you need to concentrate on following?

20. What promise or encouraging word would you like to claim from this psalm?

Apply It

21. What reminder can you place before yourself to take God's presence and power seriously?

22. In what situations do you need to make a more conscious effort to tell the truth?

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Notes

God promises great blessings to his people, but many of these blessings require our active participation. He will deliver us from fear (Psalm 34:4), save us out of our troubles (Psalm 34:6), guard and deliver us (Psalm 34:7), show us goodness (Psalm 34:8), supply our needs

(Psalm 34:9), listen when we talk to him (Psalm 34:15), and redeem us (Psalm 34:22), but we must do our part. We can appropriate his blessings when we seek him (Psalm 34:4, 10), cry out to him (Psalm 34:6, 17), trust him (Psalm 34:8), fear him (Psalm 34:7, 9), refrain from lying (Psalm 34:13), turn from evil, do good and seek peace (Psalm 34:14), are humble (Psalm 34:18), and serve him (Psalm 34:22).

"Taste and see" does not mean, "Check out God's credentials." Instead it is a warm invitation: "Try this; I know you'll like it." When we take that first step of obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering that he is good and kind. When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of God is partial and incomplete. As we trust him daily, we experience how good he is.

To fear the Lord means that you are not to be afraid of God, but to show deep respect and honor to God. We demonstrate true reverence by our humble attitude and genuine worship. Reverence was shown by Abraham (Genesis 17:2-4), Moses (Exodus 3:5-6), and the Israelites (Exodus 19:16-24). Their reactions to God's presence varied, but all deeply respected him.

At first we may question David's statement, because we seem to lack many good things. This is not a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want. Instead, this is David's praise for God's goodness-all those who call upon God in their need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.

The Bible often connects the fear of the Lord (love and reverence for him) with obedience. "Fear God and keep his commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13); "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching" (John 14:23). Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in church. It includes obeying God in the way we speak and the way we treat others.

Somehow we think that peace should come to us with no effort. But David explained that we are to seek and pursue peace. Paul echoed this thought in Romans 12:18. A person who wants peace cannot be argumentative and contentious. Because peaceful relationships come from our efforts at peacemaking, work hard at living in peace with others each day.

We often wish we could escape troubles-the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure; or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be "close to the brokenhearted," to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems. When trouble strikes, don't get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God's help and thank him for being by your side.

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