Psalm 34

This psalm comes with a notation about David's experience when it was written. I'm not sure it helps us understand it any better though. Just the knowledge that David had his share of trouble and his prayers were not all answered instantly. Even still, David praised God. I am reminded of Job, who in the depths of his tragedy and grieving, still would not curse God.

David spends a few verses remembering the times when God had saved him. He was delivered from his fears, his troubles and his enemies.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good." What an invitation! Still so few take David up on the offer. I have known of people who have walked away from God after tasting, and I've wondered why they did. A salty taste when they were craving sweets?

Fear the Lord. Ultimate respect and awe. It is the hard-to-define way our relationship with God is to be. In verses 9-14 David urges his listeners to fear Him. The result? Lacking nothing... no good thing. Fear of the Lord is based in obedience: keeping tongue in check, clamping lying and gossipping lips, fleeing all sorts of evil.

David reminds us that God has not turned away from our plights on earth. His eyes are on the righteous. His ears hear their cries. And He delivers them.

A final messianic prophecy in verse 20 about the bones of a righteous man not being broken. The psalm is concluded with a promise that the Lord redeems those who serve Him. We will not be condemned. (See Romans 8:1)