Key Verse: “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” – Psalm 34:9
The Lord promises great blessings to His people. He has promised to:
1. free us from fear (34:4)
2. deliver us from trouble (34:6)
3. guard us (34:7)
4. show us kindness (34:8)
5. supply our needs (34:9)
6. listen when we talk with Him (34:15)
7. redeem us (34:22)
We can appropriate these blessings when we:
1. seek Him (34:4, 10)
2. cry out to Him (34:6, 17)
3. trust Him (34:8)
4. fear Him (34, 7, 9)
5. keep from lying (34:13)
6. turn from sin, do good, and seek peace (34:14)
7. have humble hearts (34:18)
8. serve him (34:22)
34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteh in him.” [compare 1 Peter 2:3]
“. . .taste and see. . .”does not mean, “Check out the Lord’s credentials.” Instead it is a warm invitation to “Try this, I know you will like it.” As we trust in the Lord daily, we experience how good and truly wonderful He is.
34:9-10 “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want in them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” [Compare Psalm 23:1; 31:23-24]
You believe that you belong to the Lord, but do you fear Him – that is, do you reverence Him? To fear the Lord means to show deep respect and honor to Him. We demonstrate true reverence by our humble attitude and our genuine worship. Abraham (See Genesis 17:2-4), Moses (See Exodus 3:5,6) and the Israelites (See Exodus 19:16-24), all showed reverence. They each had varied reactions to the presence of the Lord, but all deeply respected Him.
We may question David’s statements because at times it seems that we lack many good things. This is not a blanket promise that every Christian will have everything that he wants. Rather, this is David’s praise for the Lord’s goodness in his life. The lesson that David is teaching us here is all those who call upon the Lord in their hour of need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Always remember, the Lord knows what we need even before we even ask Him and He knows our deepest needs are spiritual. Many Christians, even though they may face unbelievable poverty and hardships, still maintain enough spiritual nourishment to live for the Lord. David was saying to have the Lord is all you really need. The Lord is enough!
If at any time you feel that you don’t have everything you need ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this really a need?
2. Is this really good for me?
3. Is this the best time for me to have what I desire, or should I wait?
Even if you answer yes to all of these questions, the Lord may allow you to go without to help you learn to be more dependent upon Him. He may be trying to teach you that you really need Him, more than your immediate desires.
34:11-14 “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (See also James 1:26; Romans 14:18-19; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:10-12)
David feared the Lord and for the most part chose the way of goodness and peace. He even treated some of his worst enemies with kindness (See 1 Samuel 24:1-8, 26:5-25).
Scriptures often connect the fear of the Lord with obedience. For example: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” – John 14:23
David said that a person who fears the Lord doesn’t lie, turns from sin, does well, and promotes peace. Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in Church. It includes obeying the Lord in the way we speak and the way we treat others. David encouraged others to fear and trust the Lord, and to exemplify faith, truth, obedience and goodness in their lives.
The Conclusion of the Matter:
Romans 12:9-18 puts the final period in place on the subject on how we ought to fear the Lord and live peaceably with all men.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:9 dissimilation – hypocrisy
12:12 continuing instant – constant
12:16 mind not on high things – do not be proud
condescend to – associate with
estate – position
conceits – estimation
12:17 recompense – repay
provide things honest – do what is right!
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