Psalm 34:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Verse 2My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Verse 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Verse 4I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Verse 5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
Verse 6This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Verse 7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Verse 8O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
Devotion
While visiting a dying woman and her husband, I heard him ask her, "Are you afraid?" She shook her head gently and quoted, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him." A moment later, recovering her breath, she added, "Well, since I fear God, I don't fear death. So it's a good fear." A good fear! Even though the psalmist has experienced terror, affliction, and troubles, we are invited to join in proclaiming God's greatness and to "taste and see that the Lord is good." Even in the midst of troubles, God blesses those who find refuge in God.
We are reminded that it is not the presence of good that is God, but the presence of God that is good. It may be just a taste, like Elijah's small cakes in yesterday's reading, but that is enough for us to receive and trust the fullness of God's goodness.
Prayer
God of our sustenance, give me a taste of your goodness, that I might grow in good fear of you. Amen.