Psalm 34 was written by King David, not while he was in the palace. He was running for his life and so desperate he pretended to be insane. I picture a king and the regal clothing, his head held high, his subjects bowing and showing him honor, except this king is drooling and talking out of his mind. 

Abimelech is the audience David is performing for and his life literally depends on it. David was his foe at one point in history. Whether this was a specific individual or a general title of a Philistine king, Abimelech is an enemy that would want David dead. So, David plays the madman. He is so convincing that Abimelech drives him out of his presence.

Psalm 34:1-3

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

The first thing David does is praise God. No complaining and lamenting. Straight up praise and adoration for the God who rescues. David was rescued from the threat; he was not kept away from it.  We love and serve a God who walks with us. God is with us in the trial, the storm, the valley and every real or perceived threat. God could prevent hardship from entering into our stories, but we would never experience Him fully.

David was terrified by a very real threat. God was with him as he drooled and acted mad. God felt David’s pulse rise and fall as his blood pumped. God knew the moments of terror David felt and the joy of freedom from the terror. God knew, saw, and loved David in each moment. At all times, God is.

David praises. He invited others to join him and boast in the Lord. He recounts the ways God answered and delivered him. He remembers how the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him. (vs 7)

He reminds others to trust in the Lord at all times. He remembers how good life is when he keeps God on the throne of his heart. He remembers God redeems, delivers and is always close to the brokenhearted. Always.

Verse 4 is familiar to anyone listening to popular Christian music. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) How have you sought the Lord and experienced deliverance, big or small?

Thank you, Lord, for delivering me from my foes, real or perceived. Help me to see your deliverance and give you the honor and the glory.

Trust in God 

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine

He's been my fourth man in the fire, time after time

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

And what He did for me on Calvary is more than enough

I trust in God, my Savior; The one, who will never fail

He will never fail

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps

So, this is my story, and this is my song

I'm praising my risen King and Savior all the day long

I trust in God, my Savior; The one, who will never fail

He will never fail

He didn't fail you then

He won't fail you now

I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered

That's why I trust Him

That's why I trust in God, my Savior; The one, who will never fail

He will never fail

Oh, I trust in God, my Savior; The one, who will never fail

He will never fail

I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered

I sought the Lord (and He delivered me from all my fears)

I sought the Lord (from everything)

And He heard and He answered, oh

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in God

Songwriters: Brandon Lake / Christopher Joel Brown / Mitch Wong / Steven Furtick

Trust In God lyrics © Essential Music Publishing, Integrity Music