By Why is a Christian always full of praise? Why do Christians growing in maturity increasingly call on those around them to praise God with them? Is it because Christians never face problems, deal with disappointments, suffer loss or endure sadness? Or is it because of the pattern David spoke of in Psalm 34?
He starts off with joyfully praising God (v1-2) so that even those who are cast down can hear. Then, he invites them to join him in making a big deal of God (v3). Is David in a state of worry-free, effortless bliss with no problem in sight when he says this? No! He is in deadly peril after fleeing first to, and then from, the court of the King of Gath. In fact, 1 Samuel 22:12 says he was ‘much afraid’. Considering the circumstances, one might think he was truly insane rather than just pretending to be!
So what is his secret? The secret of David in Psalm 34 is the secret pattern God has revealed to every Christian. In times of trouble, the Christian first seeks the Lord, looks to the Lord, and cries to the Lord (v4-6), trusting fully in his sure deliverance and answer to prayer (v7-10).
Then follows the benefits of the fear of the Lord—deliverance, time and time again and no lack of good things. A lack of lack!
A word of caution here is that these are what God says are good things and not what we may think. Also, his deliverance is always good, but may not turn out to be what we had in mind. It might even be that his deliverance includes our physical death so we can finally escape the trials of this sin-cursed world and be with Him forever. So commit not to presume or advise what his deliverance should look like! Yet, even now, he caringly comforts us in difficult times (v18). The marks of true fear of the Lord are clearly stated in humility (v7) and holiness( vv11-14)—great practical things to keep in mind when the pressure is on!
We rightly have massive confidence in God as the next set of troubles roll around, when we call to mind the instances of his faithful rescue and provision in the past. We assert, before the trouble starts, that it will end up in another round of praise to God, another testimony of rescue and provision, another nail in the coffin of doubt, and another witness to the world, yes, even another arrow in the quiver for our next trial. We also see much reason for confidence when this psalm compares the servants of God with those who do not serve the Lord (v15-22): He listens to our cries for help, but not theirs. He acts on our behalf and delivers us, even out of many troubles, but allows affliction to destroy those who have rejected him and hate his people, letting their condemnation stand.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Psalm 34:22
Oh, magnify the LORD with me!