Psalm 34:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:1-10 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.
Verse 9O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
Verse 10The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Devotion
The psalmist’s ecstasy…“O taste and see that the Lord is good/happy are those who take refuge in him”…is gripping. We know God’s bounty in the love of family and friends, in the shelter of our homes, in the food on our holiday tables, in the circle of fellowship around our altar. There are many who suffer want and hunger. We who are baptized are to be radiant in service to others so that they too may know the Lord and taste this inexhaustible goodness.
Prayer
Gracious God, empower us to taste and see your goodness and to find our strength in your love. Amen.