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1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. 2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: 3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. 4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. 5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. 8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. 19 Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time. 20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken. 21 The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good. 22 God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out. (Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22 The Message Bible)
How do you react when things don't go your way? It's been so interesting to see images of myself in my daughters, and now again in the grandchildren. They have all been their own person, but many of the reactions and mannerisms have Eradio Valverde written on them. Not all reactions would be what we wuld call pretty; let's leave them at interesting. How about you? Do you say things immediately out of anger, including much of which you immediately think, "I should not have said that?" Or, do you throw things at the wall or on the floor out of anger? Or, do you just throw a tantrum and shudder or shiver in anger? Yeah, I thought so.
Comes before us a psalm that slaps us in the face for our having reactions and responses to life that don't much glorify God. Here the psalmist takes us to school in proper pious behavior. David (how dare he!) invites us to join him in praising the Lord at all times. (All times; are you sure?) He begins with a declaration of his commitment to worship: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” This is not just a call to worship during moments of joy and blessing, but a reminder that our praise should be constant, even amid challenges and trials. David’s resolve to magnify the Lord reminds us that worship is a choice we make, an act of faith that elevates our perspective above our circumstances.
Seeking God’s Presence Verse 4 speaks to the heart of our relationship with God: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” There is a beautiful assurance in knowing that when we seek God, He responds. Even when we're kicking and screaming not-on-Sunday things! Our fears often diminish when we focus on His presence. In moments of anxiety or uncertainty, we are invited to turn our eyes toward Him, trusting that He is attentive to our cries.
Tasting God’s Goodness David urges us to “taste and see how good the Lord is.” This is an invitation to experience God personally, to engage with Him in a way that transforms our understanding. When we reflect on His faithfulness and love, we begin to grasp the depth of His goodness. Each moment of gratitude can lead us closer to a profound appreciation of His grace.
Afflictions and Deliverance The latter part of the psalm acknowledges that while the righteous may face troubles, the Lord promises deliverance. Verse 19 states, “The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” This reassurance is powerful; our trials do not define us, but rather, it’s how we respond to them that shapes our character and faith. God’s promise to rescue us serves as a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles.
PRAYER: Loving and gracious God, I thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Help me to praise You always, even in the midst of trials. Teach me to seek You earnestly and to experience Your goodness daily. May my heart be filled with gratitude, and may I share Your love and deliverance with those around me. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to reflect on your own experiences of God’s goodness and deliverance. Write down instances where you have witnessed His faithfulness, and let that reflection fuel your gratitude and praise.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
