In Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon, A Divine and Supernatural Light, he said:
The difference between a nominal Christian and a true child of God is that they have tasted the goodness of the Lord and hunger for more. Linda Strom often tells me she has been “ruined for an ordinary life,” because she has so often tasted the goodness of the Lord. She has stepped out on faith, and He has met her so many times in her sixty years of serving him. Every time she visits me, I hear more stories of His goodness. I will tell one this week to help you behold the Lover of Our Souls. My texts with Linda make me smile because she is so full of praise. Here is a typical one:
Dee: When and where do you want me to pick you up in Milwaukee on Friday?
Linda: We just got a great donation so we can fix the septic at the ranch.
Dee: That’s wonderful.
Linda: Isn’t the Lord just so good?
Dee: He is! When and where do you want me to pick you up?
Dee and Linda June, 2025
As new Christians, Linda and her husband started attending her parents-in-law’s Lutheran church. The pastor noticed Linda’s radiance (Psalm 34:5) and called her into his office. He told her that though they had confirmed dozens of teens, nearly all had left the church. Only five were left. “Can you help us?”
“I can’t,” she said, “but I know Who can.”
And she began to call upon the Lord. (Psalm 34:15)
She felt led to ask the five remaining youth to go and share the gospel, using Campus Crusade’s (now CRU) four spiritual laws with the teens who had left. One of the mothers of the five teens said, “If you tell my daughter she has to do this, she’ll quit the youth group too.”
Linda said, “No, she won’t, because you and I are going to meet at the altar every week and pray.” And they did. One of Linda’s favorite phrases in Scripture is “as it happened” from Ruth, where “as it happened” when Ruth went to glean, Boaz came to check on his harvesters.
“As it happened,” a few weeks later, their church had a guest speaker do a prayer seminar. Then Linda felt led to put the names of all the youth in the offering plate and pass them out for the church members to take and pray. Then Linda felt led to plan a weekend retreat for the kids. She had never even been to a retreat, but she was planning one. She found a singing group and a speaker and reserved a camp called Camp Wilderness.
“The first night of the retreat was wild — boys were trying to get the girls, and my husband had to put his mattress up to block the door so they wouldn’t get out. During the day, I had the teens go out and share the four spiritual laws with people in the area. Some teens just watched in curiosity. The night of the retreat, one of the boys asked if he could share something before we began. He said, “I came here because I like a girl, and I also wanted to pass out marijuana. But I saw something today.” He began to cry. “I saw Jesus change people. I want Jesus in my life.”
The girl sitting next to Linda said, “I want what he wants.”
Soon teens were going up to the mike in tears, repenting of their sins, and asking Jesus to come into their lives. The speaker was upstairs preparing to speak, but when he came down, he asked, “What is happening here?”
Revival had broken out, and he never spoke.
On Sunday, the teens returned to testify to the church. One of the girls ran up shouting, ‘GIVE ME A J!” They spelled out Jesus, and the whole congregation sat in wonder to see how specifically God had heard their prayers for their children. (Psalm 34:4-10) It was a true revival with lasting fruit. Many of the teens went into full-time ministry — one went into ministry with John Perkins on Civil Rights.
Sunday:
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently?
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story?
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2)
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4?
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you.
Tuesday: Taste and See
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven?
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you?
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10?
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration.
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this?
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this?
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you?
Friday: The Gospel According to Psalm 34
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20?
11. What promise is there in verse 22? Compare to Romans 8:1
Saturday:
12. What’s your take-a-way and why?
129 comments
Sunday:
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently?
—This past week I was blessed to have very meaningful random conversations with several friends in random places. At the grocery store and at a Christian camp where my husband was involved in a sporting clays shoot to raise funds for scholarships to help kids attend. Another at a church out of town that we attended on Sunday. Each place I heard stories that told of God at work in wonderful ways in people’s lives. One man who has been involved with my husband through the shooting sports and I don’t know particularly well happened to sit next to me at dinner and shared a wonderful story of how his 91 year old mother went into the hospital about 6 weeks ago and her kidneys were failing. He shared again after about 40 years the gospel with her and she prayed with him to receive Christ. The doctors thought she only had a few days to live but the next day her numbers had amazingly improved and she has been able to get back home with help and God has obviously given her extra time for life. What rejoicing to hear of a 91 year old person coming to Christ. 💕
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story?
—First I loved seeing the recent picture of Dee & Linda. Two beautiful children of our Heavenly Father who radiate the love and joy He brings into our lives. Thanks for sharing it. 😊💕
—Linda’s story is a great and wonderful testimony to our wonderful God and Father who answers the prayers of those whose trust Him. It is a great reminder that the prayers of faithful people are heard and answered by a faithful God.
Bev, the story of the 91-year-old accepting Christ! Wow-gives me so much hope!
Amen to Bing! Thank you Lord!
So sorry to be late — an enormous storm and we were without power for days. But back!
Oh Dee, so glad you are ok and things are turning around from the storm.
Dee, glad to hear you are ok! The news was alarming, but I know that God sits” enthroned above the flood.”
I was not aware of the terrible storm that hit your area. Sounds like Door County was hit very hard and is Ephraim your little town? I saw where it was hit the hardest. So glad you are safe. Looks like tremendous tree damage and how about your house and boat dock? So glad you are safe.
Praise God for protection- what a storm!
Thank you all — there was tremendous damage but not too bad for me. My road is quite washed out and lots of branches down. Did not suffer as many did and certainly the tourist business for people went home, cancelling their week. Thanks for your prayers. Glad to have power and internet back! Thanks to Patti for notifying those she could. I know God is my Provider and Protector!
So thankful for God’s protection and provision for you, dear Dee!
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22. David escaped injure/death when Saul threw a javelin at him (while David was playing a harp to soothe Saul). David’s wife, Michal (Saul’s daughter), warned him and helped him escape when Saul sent messengers to kill him (Saul thought Michal would be a snare to David, and she became just the opposite). When Saul revealed his intense hatred for David and his desire to kill him, Jonathan warned David and advised David to flee.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you? A car accident in 2020 when a pickup truck ran a red light (going 55 mph) and hit the vehicle I was driving. There was no time for me to get out of the way, and I could see the truck coming on my left as I was in the intersection. The other driver swerved just enough to hit the panel in front of the driver’s seat instead of the door where I was sitting.
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2) In this Psalm David is praising the LORD for his escape from Abimelech. David always gave God the glory, at all times. Two effects: Those in like circumstances of discouragement/fear/danger will see that the LORD can also save them; people will rejoice at David’s deliverance and trust the Lord.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord. In the same car accident I just described, my husband was sitting in the passenger seat next to me. Gary had had a complete shoulder replacement the week before, and he his arm was in a special type of sling. He was perfectly okay after the impact.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4? He was delivered from all his fears.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you. My fear that I would never be able to sing again. God had given me a natural talent for sign language which I never would have learned about otherwise. He has used that talent to touch many more people than I ever could have affected with a singing voice.
Oh Cheryl, so glad you were ok and God was protecting you as you drove.
Cheryl, I was struck by some similarities in our circumstances. And will share in response to the Monday questions. Thank God for his watch care!
My how He uses hard things to do his work in our lives-praise God for your talent.
Oh my, Cheryl. May healing happen quickly.
I see God’s hand on your life over and over, dear Cheryl! So thankful for His protection! Love how He delivered you from the fear, and used another gift to reach ones that would have been unreachable! Chills!
Sunday:
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently? – On Friday, I had a conference call with my two sisters to talk about the last financial item of my mom. But it was so much more. My mom wrote us a letter on the first-year anniversary of my dad’s death (October 2008) asking us to please stay in contact with each other when she is gone and to remember that we all have different personalities, but we need to stay connected and overlook each other’s faults. This financial call lasted over an hour and turned in to a catching up, seeing how each other was adjusting to our mom being gone and asking each other about our families. What a precious call it was and to hear us say to each other, ‘love you’ at the end of the call. This is definitely God’s goodness and love to me.
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story? – I seeing that God doesn’t care what we think we can’t do. He will use us to His glory. Like Moses who said I can’t, the Lord had other plans and that was the same thing for Linda. So cool how God works.
Julie, I love the work of God in your life and your sisters. This gives me hope as I think of my extended family in the Philippines.
Julie, So sweet to hear how God moved to bring about the sweet conversation between you and your sisters. God is so good.
I love that you had that special call with your sisters!
Beautiful, Julie.
What a blessing, Julie, to have that closeness with your sisters.
Oh, Julie! I love how you and your sisters bonded in love in this call. This gives me hope for my grown children. God is so good.
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2) – He will bless and praise Him all the time and when he boasts in the Lord the humble will hear and be glad.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord. – It was my broker’s friend, and he stopped in at the real estate office one day and eventually got to sharing his testimony of how God was with him while he was in jail and how the chaplain guided him. When he was released from jail and went back to thank the chaplain, the authorities told him there was never a chaplain in that jail. He knew at that point that God’s hand and protection was over him that whole time. He turned his life around and started serving the Lord by using his semi as a church at each truck stop he was in. That testimony is what made me give my life to the Lord, right then at that real estate office.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4? – David was rescued from all his fears when he sought the Lord.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you. – God has and continues to help me overcome my fear of speaking in front of people about His Word. I’m on the prayer team at church and we serve once a month; I have been facilitating the Ladies Bible Studies; I’m mentoring a 13-year-old young lady and help guide my neighbor and another friend; I’ve been videoing myself doing devotionals for a devotional app I follow and all of these are way out of my comfort zone, but with God leading me and my obedience to Him, he has been with me all the way.
Love everything about your comments, Julie!
What a testimony!
What a testimony to God’s faithfulness in your life!
Your entire post is wonderful and filled with God’s goodness! The story of the chaplain! Only God! I love that He has taken away your fear of public speaking . You are speaking for Him and drawing others to Him. Love love love this!
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
Looks like I missed these two questions…
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22. – In chapter 18, the Lord left Saul and was with David and spared his life when Saul tried to kill him. In chapter 21 he is spared from hunger with the consecrated bread the priest had. David left in a hurry and brought nothing with him, and this bread was there to sustain him. In chapter 22 he was spared again from King Saul’s pursuit. God had other plans for David and spared his life many times.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you? – The biggest one to me was one I was driving and crossing over a major intersection on the green light. I didn’t see anyone coming toward me and but then my car seemed to just be pushed to the side and then I saw this car at my window that almost hit me. I was spared from being t-boned in a major intersection. It was so hard to explain, but my car just floated out of the way, no jerking or anything, just pushed aside slowly.
Chills! Love this!
Sunday:
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently?
Music has been a balm to my soul recently as it has in the past. I have been listening to a playlist of Don Moen and City Alight. The Hymn Sing at our church yesterday reminded me of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
I feel the steadfast hold of God, the Father, the intercession of Jesus, my brother, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story?
To be open to God’s nudges and to obey and let God lead. I love her emphasis on God, rather than on what she can or cannot do. What a fine line, often that I have to cross courageously. These conversations:
. “Can you help us?” “I can’t,” she said, “but I know Who can.”
One of the mothers of the five teens said, “If you tell my daughter she has to do this, she’ll quit the youth group too.” Linda said, “No, she won’t, because you and I are going to meet at the altar every week and pray.” And they did.
Love you caught those things from Linda.
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
1. He escaped Saul throwing a knife at him.
2. David and his men killed 200 Philistines and were not harmed as Saul expected.
3. David was saved when Michal told him to leave. Then all the troops who were sent to find him all were overtaken by the spirit of the Lord and began prophesying!
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
I believe I was rescued by an angel when I hung off a low water crossing bridge as I tubed down a river (for fun). I think I told this story last month when the South Texas floods occurred. He got me out of the water and disappeared!
Laura, somehow I missed this story! Wow!
It was definitely scary and my husband and I were separated. He couldn’t find me. This young man (probably early 20’s, I was 28) showed up as I hung on the bridge. It was NOT a high bridge. I was too scared to move. He told me we were going under the bridge (only room for your head). I let him take me, then he put me on the shore and disappeared!
Oh wow Laura what a rescue story for sure.
Whoa! An anel, indeed!
Praise the Lord for your rescue, wow!
This precious story of rescue! I love this, Laura. I see God’s protection in all of our lives.
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2)
At all times David says he will praise the Lord. It will give him hope.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord.
I’m not sure I have experienced anyone else’s deliverance, however, my young dancer friend has battled anorexia for most of her life. I have known her for at least 15 yrs. and have watched her nearly die at few times. She believes in God and has overcome her illness. She just graduated from college as an RN! It has been a blessing to see her faith and how God helped her through.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4?
He was freed from his fears.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you.
I have been freed from fear of the future and control of situations. Thank You Lord.
Your story of your friend with anorexia reminded me of someone I know with that illness who had to gain a certain number of pounds before her husband would marry her. He also had some things to work on and the Lord has been at work continuing to challenge them. He now has been a chaplain at a local truck stop for many years here where we live, sharing the gospel. It’s amazing what God can do.
He works at a truck stop?? That is so cool!
LOL. He does! They have a trailer in the parking lot where he can invite people to pray and hear the gospel.
I also have struggled with fear of the future, but the Lord is so gracious to relieve our anxiety.
I love your testimony, Cheryl. Thank you.
I love that’s you are being freed from fear of the future, Laura.
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently? The portion of my upcoming surgery that I have to pay was more than I expected. Within 2 days of receiving the bill, I got a profit sharing check from my work which came at just the right time.
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story? That God can accomplish the seemingly impossible, if you are willing to step forth in faith.
Praise God for the money at the right time! Dawn, I saw your comment to me about homeschooling. Who knew we were both in the thick of schooling our kids around the same time? I love that homeschooling prepared you for further education. Proof that your teaching was effective! I love it. I’m getting excited about teaching this year. I was not near as excited about it until I prayed here on the blog for new direction. The Lord is good.
I love how the Lord met your need, Dawn. That check must have been in the mail at almost the exact time the bill was in the mail. Our God is amazing in His care for us.
Isn’t it great joy when God shows up and you get a “kiss from the King?”
Such a perfect and practical need that God met at the perfect time! Oh, I see His goodness everywhere on this blog! 💕🙏
WOW Dawn, what a blessing that is for sure. Than you Lord, for your provision to Dawn, right when she needed it.
Just the right time! What a blessing, Dawn!
Sunday:
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently? Definitely! Many answers to prayer- one is the blog is back up! Yay! Also, we had a friend in our small group who was due for a baby in July and had many concerns for her and baby. She had quite a miraculous birth experience-one detail is that there were 3 knots in the baby’s cord! Both are currently doing well. God was active and answered our prayers for that mom and baby. Another, is the results of the bridal shower, and the answered prayers there. This connection with her family previously owning our farm is exciting to me. An answer to prayer and I hope a connection that leads to sharing the gospel with her family.
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story?
This story gave me tears of joy. It gives hope. It’s true, I sometimes pray with a discouraged heart, half hoping for what I ask, but Linda prays with confidence! I love her excitement and total dependance on the Lord. It is contagious.
Love the goodness of the Lord you have seen with this precious baby and with the family that owned your farm connection. I am seeing the hand of God in every answer here!
Connections! God does beautiful things when we pay attention. Thanks for sharing, Chris!
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22. I found 3 in the space of 3 verses of chapter 18! David evaded Saul’s spear twice in verse 11 and David commanded 1000 men at Saul’s order and the Lord was with him, giving him success in everything, in verse 14.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you? There are many, but only two come to mind in this moment. One was 8 years ago, when lies were spread about our family and it led to a battle lasting many months where we were in prayer and under scrutiny. Praise God for the good outcome of that situation. Another was just a few years ago when I was hit at an intersection by a person who ran the stop sign at 55 mph. I was entering the intersection as it was my turn at the 4 way stop, and I never saw her coming. Praise God, no one was hurt but the cars were totaled. I only had a bruised toe as I had tried to hit the brakes at the last second upon impact. That could have ended much worse. One that I always pondered and still do sometimes, is the horrific car crash my whole family was in when I was 10 years old. I had chosen to sleep over at a friend’s house instead of go up north with my family to our cottage. I was spared the physical crash, but the emotional and spiritual consequences of that crash have had a lasting impact on my life.
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2) At all time and it will make the humble glad.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord. Boy, there are so many. The most impactful was my dad who escaped the horrific car crash with a closed head injury which completely changed the direction of his life and our family. Despite all the negatives that came with his head injury, I heard him on our local Christian radio one day while I was driving. He had called in to share how grateful he was to the Lord for sparing his life and that he could still be here to love and be loved. There was much tragedy that came, but the Lord spoke into so many lives who each turned to him when they were living for themselves.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4? All his fears…
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you. Hmm. This is definitely an area I still need work in but much progress has been made. I am slowly learning to trust in his providence with regard to my family. It is hard. When hard things happen, I am trying to respond with the way my grandmother did, which is to say it will be okay. It is well with my soul, as the song goes. I have learned that a broken heart can be good as it says in Ecclesiastes 7:3 “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of the face the heart is made glad.” I tend to get overwhelmed when hard things come, I believe because of the car accident when I was young, but I remind myself of all the good that came spiritually. So I am a work in progress and thankful that the Lord has turned my eyes toward him.
“As it happened..” You were listening to that radio station at that time on that particular day. What a huge blessing to hear your father’s public testimony, Chris, and such a sweet memory.
“…as it happened….” Yes!
You are right! I will always remember that day-the Lord let me hear his testimony.
Love that verse from Ecclesiastes.
Thank you for sharing all of this, Chris. So much pain, yet your dad had a testimony that was life changing for many. So great that you heard it. I think of CeCe Winan’s “The Goodness of God” as I am reading the blog answers today. How I Praise His Name.
Chris, your testimonies always warm and encourage my heart.
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from.
He has delivered me from my fears of the future. How I cannot control some things and it’s His control that is in charge. It has helped me driving in cars, on planes, with our grands, etc.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven?
Definitely my body and body image. I am so tired of worrying about what to eat/not eat, and exercise. I do love to move, but I am hurting so much these days that I haven’t been able to as I used to. It’s sad for me. I can’t wait to be 5’9” and the same weight I am now!!! Please Lord come soon 😉!
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share.
He says that angels will guard those who fear the Lord. I shared above with Chris.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you?
I knew God my entire life, but I really didn’t know Jesus. I only began to understand Jesus in the last 15-20 yrs. You can know of someone but not know them. Now I really know Jesus way better than I did.
It was the teens we had (Sarah and John) who brought me to Jesus when I knew I couldn’t do anymore than I had done in their lives. It was all on Him at that point. I gave up my control. Thank You Lord Jesus! Thank You for saving me.
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
—1)Saul was afraid and jealous of David so he hurled his spear at him on several occasions to try and kill him.
2)Saul sent David out to kill Philistines hoping David would be killed by them in battle.
3)Saul told his servants to kill David and he sent messengers to David’s house to kill him.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
—I was in a car accident as a young teenager. My brother-in-law was driving and we almost had a head on collision. We ended up hitting another car in front of us but the four of us in the car only had relatively minor injuries. I knew it was God who saved us but I was traumatized by it for a long time.
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2)
—David’s praise for God was ceaseless and to tell of God’s greatness.
It would serve to help others take heart.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord.
—The most recent would be when God spoke directly to my daughter-in-law while she was unconscious from injuries in a serious accident. She submitted to Him and He healed her physically, spiritually and freed her from alcoholism. After a year and a half now she is still in God’s Word everyday and growing in Him. I still stand amazed at what God did in answer to prayer.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4?
—He was delivered from all his fears. That is an amazing statement. It says all his fears.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you.
—I struggled with a fear of being rejected but I have come to believe, feel and know I am accepted by God through my Savior Jesus.
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.””
Romans 8:15 NLT
Bev, so many of us have shared car accident rescues. To think that we are each still here and sharing on this blog is an amazing testimony to God’s grace. He has rescued all of us in different ways so that we’d continue to be a witness for Him. We are all part of His continuing “story.”
1. How have you tasted the goodness of the Lord recently?
I continue to pray for all six of my grandchildren (and significant others) to know the Lord in a very personal way. Three of them and their spouses/girlfriend do love the Lord and have committed relationships. The other three are growing in their faith walk. Seeing them grow in Christ is the greatest taste of goodness in my life. I pray that the Lord will draw their hearts to Him.
Thanking the Lord for getting to know a lovely friend from my Pottery class. We are going to breakfast together. I went to an exercise class with Anna~Lisa and her mother. It was fun and I plan to continue it with them. We all love libraries and books, so we are going to have a day at the Library soon. I am also signing up to be a volunteer for Operation Christmas Child. Praying for the Lord to be in all of these relationships. Lord give me your love, grace and words in all my relationships and conversations with others.
2. What did you learn from Linda’s story?
Linda is truly a woman of God, who seeks Him above all else in her life. The two of you are so alike and I love seeing this sweet photo of you together, so filled with love and joy. Linda, first goes to the Lord in prayer about everything she does. Her prayers are consistent and filled with faith in God, to bring others to Him. I learn that we all need to do, in our own way, what Linda is doing. She is the hands and feet of Jesus, living His Word and teaching His Word, to each person in her path of life. She is “other” minded and centered in Jesus. Linda calls upon the Lord in every circumstance. He is her life. Her entire being is in Christ Jesus.
Patti, you are so good at engaging with those you meet. You are a Barnabas!
Isn’t that the truth!
Tuesday: Taste and See
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from. – As a child I was choking on a piece of round peppermint candy and thankfully my grandpa came out on the porch and helped me. But since then, I’ve had a fear of swallowing things, especially pills. I’ve prayed over and over for God to help me swallow pills and just recently, (and I’m 65) it is becoming easier for me and I know it’s God working in me to get me past that fear.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven? – Oh I look forward to knowing that my tiredness will be gone. That what I eat will not become a weight over me, food won’t affect my body any longer. YAY!!
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share. – I guess when I read this and think about deeper, an angel has been encamped around me. Every time my life was spared, it’s not been a coincidence, but God having his angel around me, His hedge of protection around me. Like the time I was almost in that car accident that I mentioned yesterday. It was God’s angel pushing my car to the side.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you? – I think the difference is knowing is just me watching from the outside, but tasting, I’m jumping in and I’m active in walking with the Lord. I want a full relationship with the Lord and not just one I talk about, I want people to see God coming through me and using me for His glory. For me, when I know the Lord is with me, is when I’m reading a scripture, or hearing someone talk about a scripture and I understand in a different, deeper why, what I never realized before about that scripture. It’s like a lightbulb goes on in my mind. Once that lightbulb goes off, it seems that I keep having thoughts about it. The most recent was when our Life Group was discussing the mustard seed. I’ve heard that before and was like ok, but this conversation, was like WOW. I saw that passage so differently and then the mustard seed came up again, on a Facebook page I follow. That’s when I know for sure God was with me in that passage.
Your story interests me. I have a grandchild with the problem — though her fear is vomiting. But counseling is helping.
It’s been a struggle not being able to swallow pills. I’m grateful I don’t have a lot to swallow, but I’m getting better each day. I’m glad counseling is helping your grandchild.
Tuesday: Taste and See
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from.
See my answer to 5D.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven?
Be freed from disappointments and self-focus.
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
My brother and I were playing hide and seek, and I ran down a plank at a construction site where my aunt’s house was being built. My foot slipped, and I fell off the plank and rolled toward a 7-foot hole. I dug my fingers into the dirt and got stopped at the nick of time. It felt like somebody stopped the law of gravity! Thank God not only for his watch care but for His grace, as my brother and I shouldn’t have been there, as we were told by my Mom not to go to the site. She was very upset with me, and very rightly so, because I disobeyed and even dragged my brother with me into the offense. That was one of the many lessons of discipline for me.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you?
I knew I should love my “neighbor” even those who have hurt me and my loved ones. I have been going through the motions of pretending that I do, and often would justify my feelings of underlying ill will. It was not until one morning that I woke up and came to the realization that I was fooling myself and needed to deal with my hypocrisy. I went to the Lord and asked for forgiveness and asked Him to make me willing to love unconditionally.
The next morning, I awoke with a sense of peace, and the first thought that came to mind was, “I do love ______!” This person is also God’s beloved, and we are family. There was much soul-searching after that day, and I am working on my “list” between the “knowing” and “tasting” of God’s goodness in my relationships.
What a lesson ….
Tuesday: Taste and See
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from. After my daughter died in 1995 I was very fearful of any separation with my other 3 children (summer camp, field trips, scout trips, etc.) Praise God that He gently led me through that time to a place of complete trust through the help of the Holy Spirit.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven? The complete removal of the old nature (sin).
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share. The angel of the Lord protects those who fear the Lord. I’ve never specifically thought that an angel delivered me, always I thought the Lord delivered. But whether He did through an angel’s actions or not, who’s to say? One day this summer I was walking up my driveway, my daughter did not see me as she was backing her car out. I had thought she was just parked there. Her car started to move, and I was gently “pushed” out of the way. Needless to say she stopped, jumped out of her car, and was very frightened. I was as calm as could be.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you? I like Jonathan Edward’s example of knowing honey is sweet and then tasting it, one is knowledge but the other really activates your other senses (leaving a memory). I had known Jesus as my Lord and Savior for a few years when I heard an evangelist preaching a message about the Apostle Paul. He spoke about Paul’s life and ministry ending with Philippians 3:10, Paul’s cry, “That I may know Him!” After the life he’d known, Paul was still seeking to know Jesus more. Those words echoed in my mind and heart, Oh that I may know Him, as the evangelist cried out loudly. It really lit a fire in me and increased my hunger for the Word. The scriptures became more precious, the Spirit led me into more truth, and my relationship with Jesus grew more intimate.
I like how Gill states it in his commentary, “nor a single one (taste) only, being frequently repeated; yet it is but a taste in comparison of the enjoyment of it in the heavenly state; and every taste now influences and engages trust in the Lord” (I added the underline)
Lol, the underline didn’t show. I had underlined “yet it is but a taste in comparison of the enjoyment of it in the heavenly state”
Love this testimony from Cheryl:
I had known Jesus as my Lord and Savior for a few years when I heard an evangelist preaching a message about the Apostle Paul. He spoke about Paul’s life and ministry ending with Philippians 3:10, Paul’s cry, “That I may know Him!” After the life he’d known, Paul was still seeking to know Jesus more. Those words echoed in my mind and heart, Oh that I may know Him, as the evangelist cried out loudly. It really lit a fire in me and increased my hunger for the Word. The scriptures became more precious, the Spirit led me into more truth, and my relationship with Jesus grew more intimate.
Ooopsss…I noticed I failed to post Monday’s!
Monday: Boasting in the Lord’s Deliverance
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
18:24-26 Saul required David to kill 200 Philistines and return with their foreskins in exchange for marriage to Michal, his second daughter. He thought in so doing, David would be killed in the process.
19:9-10 Saul tried to pin David to the wall with a spear while he was playing the lyre.
v.. 11 Saul sent his men to kill David, but Michal saved him and had him escape through a window.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
Yes. I had a similar experience with Cheryl and also with Julie. I almost got into an accident because I drove through a red light! I was so focused on the conversations I had with some ladies at an evening meeting, which I was a speaker at, that I drove through the light without even thinking! After my car crossed the intersection, I happened to look at the two young men in the car, who would have hit me if they had not stopped in time, staring at me. I then realized I just went through a red light! God was watching over me. They must have thought I was a crazy driver!
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2)
At all times, His praises are on his lips always. The afflicted will hear and can rejoice.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord.
A young couple and their five children have been attending our church for a little while. Her husband got into an altercation with a group of men at a wedding, which ended with him being arrested by the police. Their little kids were in the car at that time. He was prevented from seeing or communicating with their kids (but could with his wife over the phone) until an initial hearing. His wife was devastated as one could just imagine. A few of us ladies reached out to the family and prayed for them through their situation. About a month later, the judge released him, and he went back home to be with his family. He stayed with his brother all through this crisis.
From what most of us know, he could have been given a year not to see his family. God delivered them from that, and I have seen how God answered our prayers. He is worthy of our trust, whatever the outcome could have been. He now awaits a final hearing next week. I would appreciate Ephesians 3:20 prayers for this family. They have had some setbacks in other areas. The husband and wife are young Christians and have had a sad experience with another church before they came to us.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4?
He was delivered from all his fears.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you.
Fear of failure as brought about by the idol of approval and pride. God had been helping me to see failures as opportunities to trust Him and to grow in perseverance and steadfastness in Him. To see things from His perspective and not mine or others.
I remember you mentioning that young couple before, Bing, but had not realized the full story. I will be praying for the final hearing and God’s intervention.
“God has been helping me to see failures as opportunities to trust Him and to grow in perseverance and steadfastness in Him. To see things from His perspective and not mine or others.” Good thought, good advice, Bing.
REPLY
Thank you for the update on this dear family. One reaction can change lives. I will pray Ephesians 3:20 for them for the hearing next week. May God heal this family and draw them closer to Jesus.
Tuesday: Taste and See
6. Read Psalm 34:5-8
A. The Hebrew word translated as ” troubles” can also be translated as ” fears or anxieties.” Share a trouble or fear He has delivered you from.
—As I think back to Monday’s question 5 D regarding verse 4 and Tuesday’s question regarding verse 6 the first half of both of those verses stood out to me.
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me……..”
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;……”
Psalms 34:4b, 6 b NLT
I think it is important to note that prayer was involved and the being freed from fear and saved from trouble was a result of praying to the LORD and the beauty is in that He answered and He listened.
This is helpful encouragement to me because I see this as an ongoing process in the Christ walk. God has clearly delivered me from fears, anxieties and troubles in my lifetime and I am so grateful for His wonderful faithfulness. But as long as I am alive in this flesh fears and troubles will plague me. But the beauty of my life in Christ is I know as long as I call on Him in prayer He will continue to free me and deliver me from them.
B. It helps me to understand that some troubles won’t be done until heaven — like my failing body. What trouble do you look forward to being delivered from in heaven?
—I resonate with Cheryl’s answer. “The complete removal of the old nature (sin).”
C. What does verse 7 say? Have you ever thought an angel was delivering you? If so, share.
—I believe we all have angels assigned to us and I don’t doubt but what mine have intervened on my behalf. But I don’t have any personal experiences where I tuned in specifically to it happening.
D. What is the difference between knowing and tasting? Can you share a time when knowledge fell to your heart and you knew the Lord was with you?
—Head knowledge and a real heart knowledge are two different things but when they combine it is life changing.
For many years I believed that God was a God of love. But I felt like He loved me as part of a group. As one of His people, the Church. It was because I was part of the family. But when He clearly revealed to me that he loved me individually and personally it was then I began to taste the sweetness of an intimate relationship with Him.
“But when He clearly revealed to me that he loved me individually and personally it was then I began to taste the sweetness of an intimate relationship with Him. ”
Yes, Bev, what sweetness is contained in that knowledge of a personal relationship
Bev — I agree with Cheryl.
It was a lovely insight for me to see that in The Song of Songs sometimes the you is plural and sometimes it is singular.
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10? Those that fear the LORD will lack nothing.
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration. I’m not sure that I see a benefit here. Isn’t David asking the question, who desires a rich, full life?
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this? They speak truth and refrain from evil speaking (gossip,slander,malicious talk). Their actions are good not evil/hurtful, and they seek peaceful lives (reconciliation with others, not argumentative). I apply this by thinking before speaking or doing anything. Is it loving, is it true, does it need to be said, etc. Scripture memory helps to guide us, and there are a multitude of verses in the NT addressing the Christian’s walk.
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this? I see the context as being the witness of our lives before unbelievers. How I live my life should speak to others, so that they might ask why I do/say certain things. Then I should be ready to respond with my testimony.
I’m pondering your thoughts to question B — partly because I’m speaking to 200 international students Tuesday night. Yesterday I took 3 of them out for dinner and asked them “What do you think leads to your best life?”
Ukraine: I want to travel
Kakhastan: I want true love
Kakhastan: I want to be rich
I want them to know the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom that can lead to finding Christ and the good life.
I may not understand your question, Cheryl. And it may depend on the translation — for NIV doesn’t show a question but a statement.
I am very late getting her this week, but reading all of this. Dee, I will be praying for you as you speak to these International students about having their best life. I pray that our Lord will anoint you with His message and that your tech will work well. May you be relaxed and at peace as you deliver your message. I pray that hearts will be open and that many will turn to Jesus. The Lord is with you.
I’m in agreement with Patti’s prayer. What a crowd you will have and international students, that is challenging. Praying the Lord leads you.
Thank you Patti and Chris.
Praying for your time with international students on Tuesday, Dee. The 3 answers to your question were eye openers. I am smiling to think of what Maggie’s answer would be!
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10? Those who fear him have no lack- I presume this is spiritually for there are many in dire circumstances who fear him.
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration.
When we listen, the Lord teaches us, leads us like a shepherd, that we may see good. The good of the green pastures and cool waters. When I turn my mind and heart to the Lord, he does lead me. I have had instances where I struggled with very difficult situations in my marriage and when I tried to solve the problem my own way, it failed and things became worse. But when I turned the situation over to the Lord, he showed me the way to change the situation HIS way, and this was good.
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this?
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this?
Oops…
C. One who fears the Lord is looking for his guidance and reading the Word. I applied this in my example by not doing anything out of selfish motives but looking for the Lord’s leading and the best interest of others.
8. Peter is speaking in the chapter first to husbands and wives and then to Christians and their relationship with other Christian’s but also Christian to non-Christian. In all our relationships we are to choose to suffer for righteousness sake and trust the Lord for justice. As Peter says, it is better to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil. Amen to that.
Chris, It was a timely reminder for me not to try and “fix” problems. So often I say/think “What can I do?” instead of turning it over to the Lord.
Cheryl and Chris, yes to this: not to try and “fix” problems. So often I say/think, “What can I do?” instead of turning it over to the Lord. I desire that my first thought would be to turn things over to the Lord and not what I can do. Listening to Keller’s sermon, “confident in prayer”. He emphasized that the purpose of prayer is to glorify God and not to “amplify” (my word) self, or even others.
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10?
We will have everything we need!
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration.
We will live a long and prosperous life! Yes, I have prospered over the years. I have a good husband, house with a roof, a decent job, a car, clothes and food. I am not lacking.
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this?
We will keep evil away from us, no telling lies or engaging in evil. Search for peace and maintain it. I need to keep my mouth shut!
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10?
—….those who fear him will have all they need.
….those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration.
—I wasn’t sure how to answer this question The benefit listed is a life that is long and prosperous. But I saw that verse 12 seemed to be tied to the practices of keeping your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. And turning from evil and doing good; seeking peace and pursuing it as stated in verses 13 & 14. Also interesting that all the versions I looked at stated verse 12 as a question but the NIV made it a statement connected to 13 & 14. I think the question is actually rhetorical with the instruction given in those two verses.
I see “the fear of the LORD” in verse 11 as the key to the practices or behaviors in those following verses. As I personally have listened to God’s teaching and grown in my fear of the LORD these are characteristics I realize are important to my Christian walk. A personal example is when I seek peace in my personal relationships as with my husband when we disagree I experience a much greater harmony that is satisfying. Far too often in the past I was bent on having my way. That was never helpful. 🥴
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this?
—I think I answered this above.
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this?
In verses 8 & 9 the instruction is given to all Christians and is telling us how to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. In verses 13 to 18 it speaks to how our good behavior to all people is an opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Suffering may be part of that witness but Christ is our ultimate example of suffering and through it he obtained our salvation.
I think these passages of scripture serve to encourage us that to live for God and follow his ways is worth it all. His ways are the ways of blessing in this life and in the one to come. We are never without hope.
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you?
—My sister and I had a conversation this week where we were reminded of a time a couple of years ago where we were brokenhearted over our mom’s situation in the care home. While she was being taken care of we went back to her room and sat down together and wept and prayed about our discouragement. God seemed to validate it was his plan for Mom to be where she was and we look back now and see some specific ways He worked. Having her in Heaven now is so very sweet for us. And we both have great joy at the knowledge of it really won’t be long before we see her again.
I love your thoughtful answer Bev. It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones in care homes. My grandmother lived in a retirement community, which she always said was living in the lap of luxury. She managed to look at the many positives instead of the negatives. However, next door to her building was a care center where anyone with a higher level need had to go for nursing care. She had a need to be in the care center at one point and I remember her calling it the scare center! She said some staff were coming in her room and standing next to the window to smoke ( she was blind at this point, but not deaf), but she didn’t want to turn them in for fear of the treatment she might receive. She did have a sense of humor.
Oh those scary care home stories. So hard. How we all need Jesus!
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you?
The promises are that the Lord hears our cry for help, he delivers us out of all our troubles, he is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. I remember a story from Corrie TB when she was in the concentration camps and the prisoners were required to stand in line and the soldiers would begin beating someone of them, how hard this was to endure. Suddenly a skylark was flying above them and singing out. Their eyes were brought up to the sky and she remembered a scripture “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Psalm 103:11.” The bird came every day for three weeks at that exact time and took their eyes off the cruelty of man and up to the ocean of God’s love.
There are many things in this world that I have been and still am broken hearted over. I haven’t seen a skylark, but my daily walks in nature with my dogs have been one way that I am able to turn my eyes from this cruel world and remember the Lord and his beautiful plan of salvation while in his creation. Sometimes I wonder what heaven will be like in all its beauty as we have only a taste of that here. There are many times when the Lord has used a song or a message on the radio to minister to me. He has also used friends and bible study to be near to me. A small gift to me at the right time or a kind word or a hug, even a text. There was a very trying time when a friend at bible study sent me a text at least weekly and delivered a book to my house with a kind card. She was in prayer for me though she didn’t know the details of my trial. Often her text would come just when I was feeling so lost and ready to despair. I kept her cards and remember her kindness during those very difficult times.
Love this testimony and how cards can minister!
Chris, your entire post is such an encouragement to me, helping me to refocus on the Lord. I’ve been feeling a little depressed lately, and your words have helped me.
Chris, yes, cards from friends. And when they come at the right moment, what a blessing they are!
3. The Lord had rescued David from so many close calls. Find at least three in 1 Samuel 18-22.
David escaped the spear that Saul hurled at him; when Saul hoped that he would be killed in battle with the Philistines, David and his men struck down the two hundred Philistines. David escaped death when his wife place an idol in the bed, with goat’s hair at it’s head and clothing covering it.
4. Do you have a close call from which the Lord rescued you?
Yes, the Lord protected me when I was in nearly pulled under a bus, as I was getting on it in a snowstorm, when I was a teen. The driver shut the door with my arm in the door and started to pull out into traffic. There were no side mirrors on the bus interiors, in those days. The other passengers yelled. I knew it was the Lord.
5. Read Psalm 34:1-4
A. When will David extol the Lord, and what effect will it have? (verses 1–2
David will bless the Lord at all times, His praise continually in his m0uth.
B. Share a brief story of another person’s deliverance that helped you trust the Lord.
My husband almost died from an asthma attack, when a doctor would not listen to me telling my husband could not breathe. He was on oxygen, but the failed to test his blood gases. I knew that was crucial. After nearly losing him, they had a code blue. He was without oxygen for a number of minutes, and they did not know if they could save him, as they could not get the tube down into his lungs, due to swelling in his throat. They told me to call my family. How I prayed for God’s mercy. How I prayed. I called a friend and she came quickly. The Lord saved Him. It was a miracle. That was in 1992. He lived 31 more years. I trust the Lord.
C. From what was David delivered according to verse 4?
The Lord delivered David from all his fears.
D. Share a particular fear from which God has delivered you.
Our Mighty God has taken away my fear of being alone at night in my new place.
That’s a wonderful fear from which to be delivered, Patti.
Wow! That bus story is so scary and I’m so glad God took care of you!
Your stories are so encouraging 🤍
How scary the incident with your husband in the hospital, Patti! I know exactly how it feels not to be taken seriously by medical people. Thankful that you turned to the Lord and found prayer support. I love your confident statement, “I trust the Lord.”
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this?
Okay, for some reason, my post keeps getting deleted before I can post it! Back off devil! Sorry…annoyed with internet and technology right now.
Peter is addressing followers (men, women, and all Christians) who have moved far away and might need encouragement.
I need to memorize these verses and put them on my heart!
He reminds us to always search for peace and to give love to each other. We are to not repay evil with evil and we will be blessed by Him. Those who are drawn to evil will be shunned by the Lord.
I often have been having trouble with tech as well when posting. Praying against that with you. And I love your desire to do good. I learned of a sad thing about my new DIL and it just breaks my heart that she had to endure hard treatment from her family growing up. May we all seek to do good.
So sorry about these disappearances — some write it out on Word first and then post if it happens often so they haven’t lost it — but I know that is a pain too.
That is a good idea and may relieve the frustration. I might try it. Mostly, I think mine are due to the internet connection and then I can get it back without losing my text, but sometimes it is just gone. I think with tech there is always some struggle.
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10?
We will lack nothing.
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration.
So I can love life and see many good days. I believe fear of the Lord means reverence for Him, seeking Him because I know that He is faithful and good. I do not want to displease Him. I owe Him my very life, and when I fear/reverence Him, my life takes on a goodness that is beyond what I feel I deserve, and my days have meaning and purpose.
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this?
I should keep my tongue from evil and speaking lies. I heard this before: “Garbage in, garbage out.” So, since out of the heart come the words of my mouth, I should fill my heart with godly thoughts. “Wisdom in, wisdom out”. I should read God’s word diligently.
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this?
When we do good and yet suffer, we continue to do good. I just listened to a Tim Keller sermon, and he shared the passage that talked about waiting on God and to keep doing good and “keeping our lamps burning…”
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you?
Christ died for my sins. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
He did this for me at Calvary.
Friday: The Gospel According to Psalm 34
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20?
In the ark? Noah and his family were saved because they entered the ark. Their safety, their salvation from the waters, was the ark. They had to enter.
11. What promise is there in verse 22? Compare to Romans 8:1
Jesus went to heaven after He was resurrected, and He is at the right hand of God and over all angels, authorities, and powers. We are free from any form of condemnation from any of these.
Saturday:
12. What’s your take-a-way and why?
Tasting and seeing God is not the same as just knowing Him. I am not sure, though, if knowing comes first and then tasting and seeing Him for who He is second. I think they all go together if I pay attention.
It takes discipline to engage in a sweet relationship with God fully. I don’t think time with God should be hurried.
By the way, Dee. I used the 1-10 question with a niece whom I wasn’t sure about her faith. She responded to me with a “five”. She interprets faith with religion and also struggles with the whys of her suffering. I am praying for continued conversation across the miles.
That’s exciting about your niece. Great opportunity to explain the gospel. I love what Keller says about suffering: We may not know the reason why, but we know what it is not. It is not that He doesn’t love us for He went to the cross to rescue us.
Yes, Dee. I need prayers as I continue to reach out to her.
I just realized I was reading the wrong verse for Friday:
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20?
At the crucifixion. He died before they broke his legs, just as was prophesied.
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you? The Lord is close to those with broken hearts. He saves those who are humbled and contrite about their sin. My heart was broken when my daughter died; the Lord was with me the entire time loving/protecting me. He saved me when I was overcome by his majesty and saw the true sin in my life.
Friday: The Gospel According to Psalm 34
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20? Jesus, like the passover lamb, had not one bone broken (perfect innocence) as He was killed (sacrificial lamb of God).
11. What promise is there in verse 22? Compare to Romans 8:1 The Lord redeems those who trust in Him, and they won’t be condemned (perish, destroyed, punished)
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you?
He hears.
He rescues.
He is close.
He rescues.
Hmmmm, rescues is twice. Must be important.
Well, I was rescued back to Him when our toddler (John) was about 14 mo old. “Something” told me I was missing teaching our son in some way. I figured out it was church! We began attending a Methodist church in the area. My husband was raised Catholic and looking back I realize how kind he was to just go with us instead of saying no. He did it for me 🥲. He is that way often and I sure should be kinder, myself, to him.
Second thought here…this is the same kid who helped me know Jesus when he was about 16 with his shenanigans. See, even though we kept up with church and activities, none of us really knew Jesus. I credit John for bringing me all the way to the ground and begging God to take over. He did. We are in a place like that right now too. Please Lord, protect us again as you have in the past. Sept 2 is the next hearing. Help all of us know and see You better.
What a journey, and the Lord using your son to reach you, wow. I’ll be praying for you, Laura, in regard to Sept. 2.
Adding you and your family to my prayers for justice to be served and God to be present in a mighty way.
Prayers for you, Laura, as you prepare for and attend the hearing on September 2.
Father, please give Laura and her husband favor on Sept 2nd. In Jesus Name I pray
🤍
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the prayers.
Wednesday: Fear the Lord
7. Read Psalm 34:9-14
A. What is one benefit of living in the fear of the Lord according to verses 9-10? – We will lack nothing if we fear the Lord and walk in His truth.
B. What benefit is there that comes from fearing the Lord according to verses 11-12? Have you experienced this? If so, give one illustration. – We will have a long life to enjoy what is good. I have seen God working in the lives of those I love, family and friends. From cancer being gone, to attitudes and emotions changing. God is good and will continue to be there. For me, I’m enjoying this God hugs.
C. Verses 13-14 describe the behavior of one who fears the Lord. Describe it. How could you apply this? – One who fears the Lord will not speak evil things or be deceitful. They will turn away from anything that is evil and will work on doing what is good. They will seek to find peace in situations and help others do the same. I can put this into my life by seeking God’s wisdom, asking Him to speak through me and to convict my heart when I’m doing the opposite and following or doing wrong.
8. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18 where Peter quotes the above passage from Psalm 34. In what context is Peter stressing this, and what do you learn from this? – To me it sounds like a final warning. Warning them on how God expects us to live our lives as heirs to his throne. He’s making sure they understand that you can’t repay people evil if it’s done to you, but in turn bring peace to the situation which will be a blessing to all.
Thursday: Close to the Brokenhearted
9. Find the promises in Psalm 34:17-19. When has He done this for you? – God will hear the cries of his righteous people and rescue them from their troubles. He is near those who are struggling and brokenhearted. The Lord is hearing my cries over my grandson Logan who has trouble handling his emotions, but I am hearing in his voice that he is realizing that his school (now in 7th grade) will not give him many chances. I sent him Psalm 34:11-14 and he is now asking me more questions about the bible and God. Thank you, Jesus!
Friday: The Gospel According to Psalm 34
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20? – He is the unblemished Lamb that took my place on the cross and died for my sins.
11. What promise is there in verse 22? Compare to Romans 8:1 – His promise is that the Lord will redeem me when I take refuge in Him. He will make my life whole when others try to bring me down. We will have no condemnation if our life is with Jesus.
Saturday:
12. What’s your take-a-way and why? – God loves me, he will be with me through my trials and tribulations, and he will restore my life, my name will be lifted up IF I take refuge in Him. It is all about my life and how I’m living it. It’s my choice to follow him or not, but if I want all of His promises, I will follow Him until my last breath.
10. How do you see Jesus in Psalm 34:20?
Jesus’ bones were not broken.
11. What promise is there in verse 22? Compare to Romans 8:1
The Lord will redeem those who serve Him. Those who take refuge in Him will not be condemned.