INTRODUCTION

1. Context of Psalm 34

a) The Superscription is important to note

b) David recalled a time when his fears got the better of him

c) Instead of trusting the Lord, he pretended madness

2. The Historical Context

a) He had to flee from King Saul who was out to kill him

b) David made friends with the Philistines who were Israel’s enemies

c) His friendship with the King of Gath gave way and he was in danger

d) He decided that he would pretend madness

e) It was a wrong choice to make

f) His weakness brought shame to his name

g) Psalm 34 was written to reflect on the lessons that he had learned from this episode in his life

 

A HUMBLE TESTIMONY

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

1. A commitment to bless the Lord at all times

a) David’s escape was a special miracle

b) He could have easily lost his life among the Philistines

c) The Philistines were well-known for their cruelty and brutality

i) They were not people who would go easy on their enemies

ii) David was the person who had conquered and killed Goliath, a Philistine giant

2. To bless the Lord was to offer praise

a) David became a committed Psalmist

b) He was inspired to write many Psalms (poems)

c) He just wanted to praise God as he remembered how he was spared from death

 

BOASTING IN THE LORD

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Psalm 34:2

1. The word “boast”

a) It is not a bad word

b) It means “glorying”

c) David determined that he would glory in God

2. He would not glory in himself

a) His skill in warfare

b) His fame

c) His mighty deeds

d) He would focus on glorying God at all times

3. The humble

a) Those who are not arrogant

b) Those who are not filled with themselves

c) They would understand and appreciate what David had declared

4. Their response to David’s testimony

a) They heard what David had declared

b) They rejoiced for they were in full agreement

c) They would find gladness of heart too

 

A CALL TO MAGNIFY GOD

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

1. David had many followers

2. These became dear and trusted friends

3. He called upon all those who were humble of heart

4. The call

a) To magnify the Lord with him

b) To exalt God’s name together

c) To have one testimony is good

d) To have many like-minded brethren would be even better

e) Together the Lord can be even more magnified

 

REMEMBERING HOW GOD HEARS PRAYERS

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

1. David starts with giving his Testimony

a) He sought the Lord

b) There were many fears in his heart

c) He had failed to fully trust God for a moment and thus he fell

d) But he had quickly repented and had turned to the Lord

2. God had graciously heard his prayer

a) David had learned his lesson

b) God would forgive him

c) He would answer his prayers and save him

d) God delivered David from all his fears

 

CONCLUSION

1. To recognize our weaknesses

2. To repent from our sins

3. To return to God

4. To receive His grace and mercy afresh

5. To rejoice in the Lord and to magnify Him