Psalm 34's Invitation

By: Lisa Hodgins

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Psalm 34 was written to celebrate God's protection for David from the Philistines and King Achish of Gath. David fled to Gath because King Saul was trying to kill him. When David arrived in the city of his enemies, he was afraid the Philistines and King Achish would harm him. He ingeniously pretended to be insane, which resulted in King Achish driving him out of his sight.

1. Verses 1-3 of Psalm 34 invite us to praise God.

Has the Lord brought you out of any dangerous situations? Praise and thank Him for his protection.

1. Verses 4-7 remind us that God hears our prayers.

We will all face troubles, but we can trust the Lord hears our cries and will rescue us. God's Word even says angels will intervene for us; Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

1. Verses 8-10 proclaim God’s goodness and provision.

When we remain steadfast in our faith and seek the Lord, He promises we will lack "no good thing." But that doesn’t mean we’ll get everything we pray for; He will only give us the things that are best for us.

1. Verses 11-14 offer words of wisdom to live by.

Listening to God’s Word and controlling our tongue leads to a peaceful life. Two simple steps for divine direction!

1. Verses 15-22 reveal God’s deep concern for us.

He cares when our hearts are broken. He delivers us, saves us, and brings us hope.

It's interesting that God inserted a prophecy about Jesus in V20. This prophecy was fulfilled on the cross and recorded in John 19:33-36. David wraps up Psalm 34 by stating that those who trust in the Lord will be redeemed. What an encouraging promise God offers His children, one He offers to us!

Our faith deepens when we spend time with God. Remember, the main way God speaks to us is through His Word. Psalm 34 instructs us to turn from evil and do good. If we're truly following Christ, we have a transformed heart, which helps us leave those evil ways behind. God sees the wicked, and their time of judgment will come. But He lovingly watches out for His children, and He is always listening to our cries for His help.

If you don’t yet have a relationship with the Lord, I invite you to "taste and see that the Lord is good." Being in close, personal relationship with God includes great benefits... we will experience the blessings of doing life with God on our side!

Read: Psalm 46:1, Romans 8:31