Journey Through The Scriptures
Psalms of Praise and Worship
Lesson 3: Delivered from Our Trouble
(Scripture to Read: Psalm 34:1–22)
There is no greater joy than to live a long, productive life that is also blessed by God. Psalm 34 gives us a formula, or a prescription, for a long, blessed life.
David prefaced his instruction with effusive praise for God’s deliverance from all of his fears and troubles (vv. 4, 6). Verse 7 is a wonderful promise of God’s blessing and deliverance that has encouraged generations of His people. The writer wanted his readers to enjoy God’s goodness by inviting them to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (v. 8).
The writer’s formula for enjoying a long life begins in verse 11. We learn that the person God blesses is righteous, one who has a right standing before God and whose life reflects His holy standards. Those who obey God enjoy the closeness of His involvement in their lives.
God has attentive ears to the prayers of those who please Him, and He is close to us when our hearts are broken. He is also the Deliverer who is with His people in their troubles—a promise we can hold on to in difficult times.
Study Questions
- According to this psalm, what benefit do other people derive from our praise when we express our gratitude to God?
- What does it mean to fear the Lord, as the psalmist instructs us to do?
- How can those who follow God have a deep sense of peace even in severe trials?
- How does verse 22 serve as a capstone to Psalm 34?
Something to Think About
God is so good that we cannot help but feel confident and protected! This psalm is an encouraging reminder that in times of trouble, when we may be inclined to feel that God is far off, He actually draws closer to us. Take refuge in the Lord, because He is watching over you.
