Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 34 – 6-4-20
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!” This Psalm is a treasure of praise, worship and honor for the truth of God’s presence with us. “I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”(vs. 3-4) What a reminder to know that as I worship the Lord, He then removes my fears. I need that truth today! This Psalm was written by David as he was delivered from the hand of King Achish in 1 Samuel 21. David ran from Saul for 10 years and God continually delivered him from Saul and people who tried to take advantage of him. David actually faked being crazy in order to avoid the jealousy and anger of King Achish. God protected and provided for David and his army in miraculous ways for those 10 years before Saul was killed and David took his rightful place on the throne of Israel.
Another gem of truth is found in Psalms 34:8, O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!(NAS) David is fed by the “Bread of the Presence” in 1 Samuel 21:6 as is was replaced daily. The priest Ahimelech gave it to David in his hunger from running from Saul. David knew that the Lord would provide and knew the taste of the Lord’s goodness. I have seen the Lord’s provision and tasted His goodness in my own life, and I am sure you have as well. There is the challenge of keeping your tongue from evil, and your lips from deceit.(Psalms 34:13) We need this maybe more than anything in our world today!
Maybe the most important truth in our worship and honor of the Lord today is found in verses 18-19, 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all.(NAS) My heart breaks for the many people around me whose heart is broken and their spirit crushed. The only answer to the cry of their heart is to trust in the Lord’s ability to deliver them from all of the afflictions and troubles that surround them and replace it with a heart of healing and joy in worship. For all those who take refuge and trust in the Lord, there is deliverance and redemption for their souls.(vs.22) “There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus!”(Romans 8:1) O Magnify the Lord with me today! Father, You alone deserve to be magnified for Your Deliverance, Redemption, and Healing power in my life. Help me like David to taste and see Your goodness surrounding my life. When things are at there worst around me, remind me to worship You and allow Your presence and power in my life to change and heal my heart. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob