What the Bible asserts as fact, reason must believe by faith!
Psalm 34:11-22 helps us overcome our fears. The troubles of life need not overwhelm you, but through prayer, faith, and right living, God will deliver you. Let Psalm 34 inoculate you against fear!
1.“Fear God” – (11)
You need a God on your side who is more formidable than your fear!
2. Commit to God’s moral standards – (12-14)
Fearing God is defined not just by your attitude, but your action. Don’t follow evil in word or deed/ Pursue good and peace.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.”
Everybody today is worried about contracting the Coronavirus through the mouth. Many people are wearing medical masks to prevent contagion. We need to be worried about what comes out of our mouth! We don’t need a mask; we need a muzzle!
The Jewish Talmud says that an evil tongue kills three people: the speaker, the listener, and the subject. God has put two barriers in front of your tongue: your teeth and your lips. Mind your tongue!
If “his praise is always in my mouth” (v.1) then evil won’t be on my tongue (v.13)!
“Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.” Guard your life! Run from evil—chase peace! Peace is the eternal health of the soul—personally, socially, and spiritually.
3. Know God’s Promises and Warnings – (15-22).
Lately, we have all become keenly aware of all the warnings concerning COVID-19.
God gives us promises and warnings as well. In fact, he teaches us four lessons in his promises and warnings in Psalm 34:
- Live rightly because God honors it and not evil (15-16)
- Pray in times of trouble because God is compassionate (17-18)
- Stay true to God because he delivers the righteous (19-20)
- Take refuge in God because those who do will not be condemned (21-22)
Psalm 34 is good news during this time of crisis! In the midst of social distancing, David reminds us “The Lord is near!” (v. 18).
“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
He will not, he will not desert to his foes.
That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake,
He’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
Hey there Dr. David. I have been listening to Brooklylyn Tabernacle Choir’s song “Psalm 34” first thing every morning for the past 2 months. During this crisis I planned to preach on it and was working on it. I stumbled upon your message on it and our basic outline was the same. Your message was so good I incorporated most of your insights. Thanks so much.