Imagine people today being taught Psalm 34:1-10 and all the principles of God. I have friends who say “they don’t believe in the old Testament.” Others say they don’t believe in anything but “the red letter words of Jesus.” And others say they believe in God and Jesus but not the scriptures as the “the word of God.”

How sad I feel for these friends, all of them. When I read even a simple Psalm like Psalm 34, it gives me comfort, hope for tomorrow, encouragement,  even joy. And I ache for those who haven’t yet tasted what I’ve tasted. 

Think about how enthusiastic we get when we find a good restaurant – we want to tell everyone. I try in the same way to “magnify the Lord and exalt His name” every time I read God’s Word. Verse 4 says,” if you seek him He will deliver you from all your fears.” Imagine that Buckwheat! No more weird physiological sensations, racing heartbeats, shortness of breath, or trembling. You probably won’t need weed, SSRI’s or psychological manitulation if you just fear Him, seek Him, and  exalt His name. That doesn’t mean we never use wisdom or means; it means the ultimate refuge is in the Lord Himself. Trusting in Him is completely comforting. But most will cut themselves off from the full banquet  the Father has spread. They will pick at the salad table, eat just one bite of steak, and go right to the desert table instead. Jesus quoted the Old Testament as authoritative, final, and divine. The apostles did the same. To pick and choose is not humility, it is the subtle form of starvation, an unbelief that robs the soul of growth, comfort, hope, and deliverance.

Some people will say here, I’m being arrogant or overly  confident. In other words, cocky!  But you and I know it is something else entirely: the quiet, unashamed boldness of a Montana man who has looked to Jesus and found Him true. The verse says it this way, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). It’s  not arrogance,  it’s testimony! It’s borrowed radiance!

When you “look to Jesus you become radiant and unashamed,”  it says this in vs 5. Then it goes on to say, the poor are saved  out of their troubles if they “cry unto the lord.” Does secularism teach this? Do colleges? No! They tell you to go start a non-profit and vote for “compassionate democrats.” God says, “How can they learn without a preacher?” But of course you must first have faith and believe every word in  the scriptures to know him truly. 

Imagine this one too, “The Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.”   (Psalm 34:7). This is unbelievable for most! Too weird!  Yet it really does say, we are protected by “The Angel of the Lord.” But Dude, that’s crazy, just an illustration, says the one who fears not and believes small. I believe  differently. I believe “The Angel” surrounds me, even now, with his army and the dwellings of the saints… “We little know how many providential deliverances we owe to those unseen hands,” says Spurgeon.

Finally,  “Blessed are those who take refuge in and fear Him, for them there is no want.”

I believe all of this! And I feel badly for those who don’t. It’s  why I preach Christ  and His word. I read and write this stuff because God said it and it strengthens me. Call me arrogant if you wish,  but tell it to me again after you’ve read this Psalm and consider that the “Angel of the Lord” has set up camp nearby. I’m not smarter than you  or being condesending. Just read the darn verses and think deeply about what they say! If you think I believe my values are superior to yours it’s because you don’t believe God’s words and you are confused between  arrogance  and confidence. Believe  me, I’m  weak without faith and God’s word. 

What a lovely night! The half moon rising and I’m sucking up God’s word in the stillness. The psalms are glorious! “May the Lord continue to deliver you also from every fear and fill your mouth with His praise until the day you see Him face to face.”

Goodnight, or to some Goodmorning.