Psalm 34: Trust the Word of the Lord
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Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm, utilizing the Hebrew alphabet in order, with variations (see also Psalms 9; 10; 37; 119). This often occurs in songs of praise (see Psalms 25; 111; 112; 145). Psalm 34:3 is still recited during contemporary synagogue services as the reader “takes the Torah from the ark”: “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” “They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed” (v. 5).
Christians should be joyful! “‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.’ Nothing is more beautiful than the radiant countenance of a real Christian. When God looks our way, all the world is sunlit.” Verse 7 is powerful and worth memorizing.
How comforting to know angels are ever present, protecting those who love the Lord and do His will. Psalm 34:8 employs wonderful imagery; we must not merely look at God’s Word but taste it for ourselves. “The surest proof of religion is found in personal experience. Without Christian experience the religion of Christ is only theory, and as mere theory it has no saving power.” Having experienced salvation, you are to awaken others to taste the goodness of the Lord. Verse 14 is instructional for all who would live a Spirit-filled life: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” How much better this world would be if everyone pursued peace! “Christian living is both negative and positive; we must go away from evil, and we must do good. Merely refraining from evil is not enough. We must be active in doing good.” Christians are not free from this world’s trials and afflictions (v. 19), but hope in the Lord gives endurance.
Christ also suffered. Verse 20 is a prophetic vision of His crucifixion. “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, / Just to take Him at His word.”
