Scripture:
Psalm 34:17-22 ESV
[17] When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. [20] He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. [21] Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. [22] The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Observation:
Psalm 34 was written by King David before Saul had been killed. David was running from Saul even though he had done nothing wrong. So first and foremost let’s understand what the word psalm means. It is a song or a poem used to worship. Now that we know that we get a better picture of what’s going on here. Yes, David is running from Saul. In fear for his life. Yet he takes time to worship the LORD. I’m sure his heart is broken and he is not 100% sure why Saul means him harm. But let’s look at the psalm. David knows he is in right standing with the LORD and is crying out to HIM. He knows that the LORD is going to deliver him. His heart is broken not only has he had to leave everything he knows his best friend his wife and all of it. Not to mention that the king wants him dead for seemingly no reason. However, he also knows that the LORD will deliver him. His trust is in the LORD. He is running to GOD for Refuge and safety.
Application:
The question is what do you do in the presence of persecution? Do you worship? When your heart is broken where is GOD? Do you run to HIM for Refuge, or do you think you can fight the battle yourself? Ok, that’s enough questions. Listen GOD wants us to run to HIM. The battle is HIS, and when we leave it in HIS hand we will have the best possible outcome. David knows that and I hope we do too. GOD is close to the brokenhearted. If you are suffering because someone has done you wrong GOD is right there with you HE is fighting for you. HE knows what is best for you. HE made you. Listen GOD is good and if it’s not good then HE is not done. This is something I rest on daily trust me. If you run to GOD HE will take care of you. Just find your Refuge in HIM. Be still and know that HE is fighting for you. Stand in the righteousness that HE has provided for you, and let HIM fight. HIS knockout record is way better than anything we could put together. HE stands undefeated. Every battle HE has fought HE has won. Just read the book and you will see that.
Prayer:
Father, when we face trials we worship. When we see persecution. We worship. When we are looking at our broken hearts…we worship. You are the answer to our everything. Our Refuge and our strength. A strong tower in times of trouble. Your purpose for us will prevail. You are a good Father. When we see trouble you see opportunity. Let us see things the way you do. We know your understanding is way bigger than ours. However, we also know that your plan for us is perfect show us the next step so that we can be found inside your will for us because that is truly our heart’s desire. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.