Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:1-10, 22 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.
Verse 22The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Devotion
I have been serving at Church on the Street in Sioux Falls for a little over two years now. It still surprises me when someone stops me in the middle of whatever is happening, needing prayer. Whether on the street, in the laundromat, in the food pantry, or at the local shelter, the intense need for prayer in that moment is humbling. The psalmist writes in verse 4, “ I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” While we live in the reality of sinfulness, pain, brokenness, oppression, and more, we come to God in prayer for moments of peace and the reminder that, in all times and in all places, God is present. So we continue to pray, and give thanks for moments when our fears subside through the love of God, and for those who surround us and remind us of God’s presence here and now.
Prayer
God of Goodness, calm our fears. Remind us of your steadfast presence. Show us your peace amid chaos. Give us glimmers of the good you bring into this weary and aching world. Amen.
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