MDB 80: Psalm 34

According to the title of Psalm 34, its contents reflect the time when David feigned madness before the Philistine Abimelech. Earlier, David's wife Michal had managed to give Saul's hit-men the slip, allowing David an opportunity to flee - eventually seeking to gain political asylum in enemy territory - among Goliath's "kith and kin"! Had David lost his mind - literally? We may question his judgment from the advantage of an arm-chair, but David learned to trust in the Lord during these difficult times.  Listen to the lesson he learned:

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears" (v.4). 

And as, later, David no doubt re-told the story many times around camp-fires with his men, this is what he wanted them (and us) to learn - the importance of praise to a God who delivers us again and again from our folly.

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!" (3).

Praising God in during and subsequent to difficult times is our duty and delight. Have you done this in your own life? Are there circumstances that even now cause you to complain and grumble rather than praise and worship. The secret is to see God's hand at work in every detail of our lives. And to those who are profoundly broken, there is a special word of comfort:

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (18).