I sought the LORD and He answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:4-5
After opening the Psalm with a heart and mouth full of praise to God, the psalmist goes back and gives reason to his praise: the LORD has answered his prayers. The LORD’s answer was and is deliverance because in Him there is no change. David knew this and rejoiced in it. Fear has no strength and can hold no prisoners when the LORD delivers. So, I ask myself, am I seeking the LORD for deliverance from my fears? Or, am I seeking to take refuge in fear — even though it oppresses me — so that I can keep looking to myself? Those who look to God are the radiant ones. They are the delivered and it shines through their heart and soul to their face.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around
those who fear him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:6-7
Remember deliverance from the past; remember in thankfulness and praise. David’s deliverance didn’t turn his memory into a foggy, rose-colored memory of his pain. No, David remembered his pain, that he was a many with many troubles, poor and helpless. And this right memory of past grief gave David a right memory of the magnitude of the LORD’s deliverance. The LORD is mighty. He can deliver and He will continue to do so. He also sends His angel as a barrier to protect His children. David was a poor man. He did not trust his own salvation, for by it there could be no hope. Instead, he cried to God in his weakness — for in that, there was no shame. David was one of the radiant ones who continually remembered his Savior’s past deliverance and felt his faith strengthened. In any situation, whether as the poor one waiting for deliverance or as the radiant one remembering it, there is hope because deliverance comes from the One who alone has the power to give it.
thoughts and songs 