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
Spring asparagus, the first tomato from the garden, freshly baked bread, strawberries in season. When food is good, you take notice. Your eyes are opened. Your heart is filled and you realize, maybe for the first time in as long as you can remember, all the delight, flavor and sustenance you have been missing.
When times are difficult, when tasks seem too many, our lives seem too fast or full. When our hearts hurt because of the sickness, depression or suffering in us or a loved one, we long for the presence and blessing of the Lord. We pray for it. We seek it out.
In Psalm 34, David recalls a difficult time in his own life when he sought the Lord: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." The presence of the Lord in David's life was like a mouthful of delicious and nourishing food: "O taste and see that the Lord is good..." When God is with us and responds to our deepest needs, we can feel, see and taste God's goodness. We know the truth in David's words, "...happy are those who take refuge in [the Lord]."
Prayer
Lord, give us eyes to see and tongues to taste the goodness of your grace. Fill our hearts with praise. Amen.