Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and he answered me;”
[Yes, Lord, in your faithfulness you always answer: at the right time, in the right way, with the right means. Therefore, you are trustable in your goodness, you are reliable in your unchangingness, you are beautiful in your consistency.]
“he delivered me from all my fears.”
[This was not the help I really wanted, but in your wisdom, Lord, you start answering on a much more foundational, inner level in order to bring an answer much bigger than my request.
The troubles in my life reveal these fears, fears you want to deliver us from: the fear of man, fear of the future, fear of loss, fear of humiliation, fear of suffering, fear of failure, fear of death. I’ve heard that you command, “Fear not!” 365 times in the Bible. One for every day of the year.
So, you turn our eyes to you that as we gaze upon you, seeing you in your great power, your deep wisdom, your gracious compassion and your rich love, we may remember how many times you have protected and provided for us in the past. Fear will then have no place to cling and will fall away. You are the fear Killer, the freedom Bringer, the peace Giver. Praise be to you.]
Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
[Because you are faithful and powerful, wise and good, you always answer by meeting our true needs. So, we are never put to shame when we trust in you. People and Satan may try to shame us. But we, like Jesus in Hebrews 12:3, can endure our cross, despising the shame, looking instead to the joy we will have with you when seated at the banquet table in heaven.
As we look to you in our troubles, Lord God, we are transformed more and more into your image (2 Cor. 3:18). As we meditate on your great and good character, as we bask in the light of your glory, we join you in being a light to the world, for we will reflect that glow of your greatness to all those around us–the radiance of trust, peace and contentment in you. And may we so honor you today.]
