Season of Thanks: Day 6 - Psalm 34
Psalm 34:4-10
4I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
5Those who look to him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him from all his troubles.
7The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and rescues them.
8Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!
9You who are his holy ones, fear the Lord,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10Young lions lack food and go hungry,
but those who seek the Lord
will not lack any good thing.
4I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
5Those who look to him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him from all his troubles.
7The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and rescues them.
8Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!
9You who are his holy ones, fear the Lord,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10Young lions lack food and go hungry,
but those who seek the Lord
will not lack any good thing.
SHARING
How does this passage help you give thanks?
God's Presence
Our passage begins with the simple idea that God answers, rescues, and is with us when we seek Him. During the pandemic season, this promise has been even more magnified in our times of solitude and even isolation. Knowing that God is with us strengthens our faith, holds us together in times of trials, and gives us peace when we feel lost and alone. Many of these difficult situations we’ve experienced more intensely due to quarantine, so let us take this opportunity to give God praise for being near to us. A few verses later, the Psalmist in this same chapter recognizes that “the Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” In our times of feeling broken, lost, and maybe even crushed, how can we still find a way to be thankful?As we seek the Lord and draw near to Him, our perspective and attitude can begin to change. Notice the effects of one who calls on God’s presence: answers and rescues (v.1), hears and saves (v.6), realizes God’s goodness and is happy (v.8), and does not lack any good thing (v.10). What a privilege it is to be able to call on God and to have His presence provide so much for us. Yet in all these benefits, the pinnacle of this passage is the simplicity of realizing how good God is. When God shows up, we focus on His goodness. Not our goodness, not the world’s goodness (or lack thereof), and not just good circumstances. Simply God’s goodness as He dwells with us and we take refuge in Him. Let’s marvel at this foundational truth and be thankful for God bringing His good presence with us this season!
SHARING
- How has God revealed Himself to you specifically over the past few months?
- What events in your life have driven you to seek God’s presence and goodness in your life?
TAKE ACTION
- Write down some of the difficulties and sufferings that you are noticing this season of pandemic. (i.e. sickness and death, family struggles, anxiety, miscommunication, etc)
- Take a moment to pray for God to be in these areas of difficulty
- Use Psalm 34 to claim the promise of God’s presence over these areas and submit them to Him
- Pray that you would be an instrument of God’s presence as you continue to experience these difficult areas of your life
- Recall some areas of difficulties and suffering in your past where you noticed God’s presence helping you and guiding you. Thank Him for those moments
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