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David may have been rebounding from the low point of his life (see 1 Samuel 21) by writing this psalm in his cave hideout. Learning that Saul was intent on killing him, David had panicked, lied to the priest, and sought sanctuary from a Philistine king. Then, realizing his danger there from suspicious officials, he play-acted insanity to extricate himself.

Psalm 34:4-10 Psalm 34:15-20

1. Were David's fears (vv. 4 & 6) imaginary or real?
2. Is rescue from a hazardous situation the only way to be delivered from fears?
3. David acknowledges (v. 19) that the righteous are not exempt from troubles. Does God more often offer escape from trouble or help in times of trouble?
4. What does having all you need mean (vv. 9-10)? Are your deepest needs material or spiritual?
5. If you feel you have an unmet need, ask yourself: Is it an actual need? Would it really be good for you? Is this the best time to receive it? Would going without it increase your dependence on the Lord?
6. What does "taste and see" (v. 8) mean? Is it an invitation to check out God's credentials? Or is it more like, "Try this; I know you'll like it"?
7. How has your trust in God grown over time?

Ask God for confident trust in His ability and desire to protect you from actual harm and provide all that you would really benefit from.

4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.

7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, You see me, guide me, hold me close. Nowhere can I be lost from You. I am safe everywhere because You are near.

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