Psalm 34:9-14 (NRSV)
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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 11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Verse 12Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Verse 13Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Verse 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Devotion
What is it that we seek and fear, want and revere in our quest for a long and prosperous life? Is it the Lord of heaven and earth, who has given us the hope of eternal life with God and all the saints through Christ’s death and resurrection? Or is it the power and prestige, selfishness and bigotry that can turn us into young lions that do not fear the Lord, but rather roar fiercely and devour their prey in an endless hunger for more?
How strange it is that the world should turn so often to the latter with lies and evil deeds, since it holds no promise for a better life. One would think that we would know better. And so, the cry goes out: Listen to the Lord and pursue peace by following in Christ’s footsteps, for those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
Prayer
Giver of everything good, we come before you with reverent hearts and ask for your guidance in our pursuit of peace, so that all may enjoy the fullness of life that comes from you in Christ. Amen.