I Sought. He Delivered and Answered.

All this month we’re looking at Psalm 34. Today’s focus in on Psalm 34:4-7. David tells us, “I sought…” and the Lord “answered and delivered.”

I don’t think I’ve always been a fearful person, but as I get older, I’m more aware of my battle with fear.

I’m a so-called “creature of habit” and I’m most comfortable being comfortable. I like knowing what to expect and don’t typically care for change. And when things inevitably do change, it makes me feel a little (or a lot) insecure. 

Then fear starts creeping in. 

I’ve become familiar with wrestling with and wrangling up thoughts when the ground shifts beneath my feet. And though I’m learning to wrestle and wrangle faster (taking every thought captive), I’m definitely a work in progress. I continue to practice surrendering my fears.

When I fear, I have the opportunity to choose faith. Fear is a feeling. Faith is a choice.

David reminds us all of what to do when fear creeps in. When David feared, he made a choice of faith to seek God.

I Sought. He answered and Delivered.

David was on the run from an enraged King Saul who was hunting David to kill him. (See 1 Samuel 21:10-15) 

I’m sure David was confused since he’d already been anointed as king by Samuel (see 1 Samuel 16:10-13). How could be actually be king if he was killed? 

It makes me wonder what things I fear or worry about that God has already promised me.

But David, with fearful emotions and all, knew what to do. We’re told in the Samuel passage that he feigned madness. It’s this verse in the Psalms that gives us insight into what actually happened:

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

David sought God and trusted Him to work things out. Though he feared, he exercised his faith. Perhaps he even stopped and prayed before pretending to be crazy. We’ll never know the specifics. But what we do know is this:  God is still in the business of delivering His children from fear!

Fear is an enemy and a liar. It compounds our problems, distracts our focus, steals our peace, and robs us of joy. And joy? That’s our strength!

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

Those Who Look Are Radiant

We don’t always get what we want in life. That’s a hard truth. But it isn’t an ugly truth when looked at in the light of God’s love.

Though life doesn’t always work out in the way we want or expect, God is a good, good Father who loves us tremendously. Even the most tragic, earthly outcomes are made beautiful in Heaven. 

Ultimately, God will not let us down. All things are for His glory and our eternal best. 

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed. (Psalm 34:5)

“Those who look to him are radiant.” When our faces seek His, we are brightened and cheered up by His light. A peace is found in us that the world cannot explain nor take away. We are assured of His love and promise to never forsake His children.

“The burden is removed from the heart and the countenance becomes radiant with hope and joy.” – Barnes’ Notes on the Bible.

Because He is faithful, we know we have no need to be ashamed of our trust and faith in Him.

The Lord Heard and Saved

Are you in a place of suffering right now? The word translated in the ESV as “poor” in verse 6 is the Hebrew word ani, which is most often translated as “afflicted.” 

David was afflicted. He was suffering. But because he knew what to do with his fear and distress, He cried out to the Lord. The result? The Lord heard him and saved him.

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalm 34:6)

God always hears us when we cry out to Him. Our job is to make sure that we do go to Him. And when we do, we don’t have to be afraid that our prayers hit the ceiling and fall back down. Though we may not get the answer we are looking for, be certain:  God hears us! He will answer in the perfect way, in the perfect time.

The Angel of Lord Encamps

The angel of the LORD encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

I love this promise. Quite simply, when we “fear the Lord,” He delivers us. The New Living Translation puts it this way, “For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.”

The Bible promises again and again that God guards and protects us. We know that we are sheep in Jesus’ hands and we are safe there. (John 10:27-30).

It isn’t clear in this verse if the “Angel of the Lord” is Jesus Christ as an uncreated angel (meaning messenger) of God’s presence, or a created angel (or angels) sent on His command. Either way, there is clarity that we are protected by this angel of the Lord, always!

For Study and Reflection:

1. Read Psalm 34:4-7. What do these verses say mankind should do? What does God do?
2. As we approach Thanksgiving, spend time in prayer thanking God for all His actions listed in these verses.
3. Are you suffering? Choose one verse from today’s passage to memorize, or try memorizing all four verses.
4. What do these verses tell us about not being put to shame? Psalm 22:5, Romans 9:33, and 1 John 2:28. How do they connect with Psalm 33:5?
5. Research the Angel of the Lord. Here is a good place to start.

What do you love most about the verses in this passage? Tell us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Community on Facebook.