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Psalm 34 - The LORD is Deliverer

Psalm 34

The LORD is Deliverer

Introduction
Psalm 34 is written by David when he fled after lying to Abimelech that he was crazy. It is largely a testimonial Psalm, with some elements of wisdom.
Somehow when i typed deliverer i was thinking of pizza delivery... Ohwell. Bad joke aside.

Summary
v1-3 Call to worship
v4-7 God delivers
v8-10 God's goodness
v11-14 Learn the fear of the LORD
v15-22 God delivers

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him
The use of the word "this" caught my attention. It makes the Psalm personal, because this man writing this now is poor too - not financially, but in spirit. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to all - be it poor or not, of any status - we are not serving a God who does not hear us.

Taste and see that the LORD is good
Although the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and conduct, it recognises the authority of experience as well. Instead of simply telling us God is good, the Bible goes to the extent to invite us to sense for ourselves that He is good.

God is deliverer
Besides these 2 very interesting points, this is the main point of the passage.
God delivers everyone from everything - the phrase "delivered" is scattered all over this Psalm. David is delivered from all his fears, all his troubles. The angel of the LORD delivers those who fear Him. Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
The idea of being delivered from troubles specifically is repeated three times in this passage. In David's context, he was troubled because he was afraid of Achish/Abimelech (some confusion over the name here in 1 Samuel 21). In the end, God delivered him from both the immediate trouble, and Saul (who was pursuing him).

Take up the invitation to taste and see that the LORD is good - if we are not convinced, why not find out for ourselves?
Do we trust God to deliver us from all situations, or do we take matters into our own hands? Do we hold back our troubles from God?

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