Psalm 34 is a chapter in the Bible that lifts you up. It encourages you and speaks honestly about relying on God. David wrote it during a difficult time in his life, but it’s a wonderful call to praise God regardless. Let’s check out the NIV version and see if it relates to everyday faith. There’s a strong promise to praise God in the beginning of the psalm.
“I’ll exalt the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I’ll rejoice in the Lord; the afflicted will rejoice too. Glorify the Lord with me; let’s exalt his name together.” It emphasizes praising God continuously, not just during good times. David says we ought to honor God together, especially when things are hard. It’s like saying, let’s just focus on how great God is, and we’ll all be lifted.
After that, David tells us how God responds when we reach out to him. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him glow; they don’t feel ashamed. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him from all his troubles.” We get to turn to God, and He’ll answer. Fear fades, shame lifts, and God still hears us, even when we’re weak.
A key part of this is verse 7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Imagine that protection, like a camp set up around you for protection.
It’s like trying something great and realizing how satisfying it is. Finding shelter in Him brings real blessings. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
“Fear the Lord, you holy people, because those who fear him have nothing to fear. Lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack nothing good.” Here, fearing the Lord means respecting and honoring Him deeply. The reward is that our needs are met. Lions can go without, but those who seek God find what they need.
Then it shifts to a teaching moment: “Come, my children, listen to me; I’ll teach you the fear of God. Those of you who love life and want to live many good days, keep your tongue from evil. Make peace and pursue it.” This is straightforward advice for a good life: watch your words, don’t lie, choose good over evil, and actively seek peace. It’s still relevant.
The psalm contrasts God’s treatment of the righteous and the wicked. God watches over those who follow Him, listens closely, but turns away from those who do evil. His eyes and ears are on the righteous, but his face is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” God’s near when we’re hurting the most, helping us through troubles and saving the brokenhearted.
It’s true that the righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones, not one of them will break.” While troubles come, so does deliverance.
Finally, it concludes with judgment on evil and redemption for God’s servants: “Evil will kill the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.” Wickedness backfires, but sheltering in God won’t condemn you. As a whole, Psalm 34 reminds us to praise God always, to trust His rescue, to live wisely, and to know He is close to us when we’re down.
It’s uplifting and invites us to experience His goodness and find shelter in Him. It’s inspiring and leaves you ready to share His name. The rewards of seeking God are endless, whether you’re facing fear, troubles, or just everyday life.
