Feb 8, 2017

Sharing the Goodness of the Lord

kensummers Uncategorized 0 Comments

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth….I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears….Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:1,4,8 ESV

Psalm 34 is a “classic” psalm with much loved and inspiring verses. As I look at the psalm, I notice the transition between key stanzas.

The psalm begins with a declaration of praise to the Lord.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:1-3 ESV)

This elation is not just “worked up” but comes from a life that has encountered the God of the universe and has seen Him to be faithful in all that He does. This is a declaration of a steadfast focus in life. “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” When we grab hold of life in God, we don’t want to let go. The one who is a recipient of the Lord’s faithfulness invites others to join in worship to the Lord. Enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious.

Why is the psalmist so excited and exuberant in praise?

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:4-6 ESV)

This is one who has sought the Lord in time of need and has been delivered from “all…fears.” This is relief on the other side of uncertainty and despair. As the psalmist declares, “[I] cried….the Lord heard….[The Lord] saved from all trouble.” In human relationships people often respond because they are asked. While we are thankful for the Lord’s watchful care over our lives, we need to remember the simple admonition to, “ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

Then we see the invitation for others to experience God’s faithfulness.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!” (Psalm 34:8,9 ESV)

There is plenty of God’s mercy, grace and provision to go around. His love is everlasting, His faithfulness endures from generation to generation. At times the simple challenge to others is, “give God a chance.” Give the Lord the opportunity to show Himself to you in your need. What you will find is the one who takes “refuge in Him” is blessed. You can make all kinds of errors in human judgment. But when you seek and honor that Lord, you will find the strength and provision for every need. And when you do, “His praise shall continually be in your mouth.”

Prayer for today…. Lord we give thanks for Your faithfulness. Thank You that we can seek You and when we do, we find You available, ready and willing to help, guide and protect. My our response to You meeting our need be hearts filled with continual praise.