A Devotional on Psalm 34: Tasting the Goodness of God

“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1, ESV)

As I sit with Psalm 34, David’s words crash over me like a wave, pulling me into the depths of God’s sovereign grace. This isn’t just a song; it’s a battle cry of a soul pursued, delivered, and utterly transformed by the unrelenting goodness of God. David, hunted by enemies, hounded by his own sin, doesn’t offer polished platitudes. He pours out raw, fervent praise from a heart that’s tasted the Lord’s mercy and found it sweeter than honey.

This psalm sings of God’s providence, His electing love, and the unshakable truth that He is the author of our deliverance. “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (v. 8). I’m struck by this invitation—not to merely observe God’s goodness but to taste it, to let it linger on the tongue of my soul. It’s personal. It’s intimate. It’s the kind of grace that reaches into the muck of my rebellion, plucks me from despair, and sets my feet on the Rock.

I think of my own life—moments when fear gripped me like a vice, when shame whispered I was too far gone. Yet, like David, I’ve seen God’s hand move. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (v. 4). This isn’t because I mustered enough faith or cleaned myself up first. No, it’s because God, in His sovereign mercy, chose to seek me before I sought Him. The doctrine of election hums through this psalm like a heartbeat: God’s deliverance isn’t random; it’s rooted in His eternal purpose to save His own.

David’s vivid imagery pulls me in further. “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” (v. 7). Picture it—a celestial army, swords drawn, guarding you in the dead of night. This is no fairy tale; it’s the reality of God’s covenant faithfulness. He doesn’t just protect; He surrounds. He doesn’t just save; He encamps. For those chosen in Christ, there’s no moment unguarded, no trial unwatched. Even when I stumble, “the LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down” (v. 14). My weakness isn’t my defeat; it’s the stage for His strength.

Yet, this psalm isn’t a promise of a pain-free life. David acknowledges the brokenhearted, the crushed in spirit (v. 18). I’ve been there—heart shattered, spirit gasping. But here’s the anchor: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” God’s nearness isn’t a distant nod; it’s the warm embrace of a Father who runs to His child. In Christ, He’s already bridged the chasm my sin created. He’s near because He’s mine, and I’m His.

As a believer, I see mankind’s depravity woven through this psalm—not as despair but as the backdrop for grace. “The face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (v. 16), but for those who cry out, who fear Him, who trust in His Son, there’s redemption (v. 22). My righteousness isn’t my own; it’s Christ’s, imputed to me by faith. David’s confidence—“none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned”—points straight to the cross, where Jesus bore the condemnation I deserved.

So, what do I do with this? I bless the Lord, not just when life sparkles but when it stings. I praise Him because His goodness doesn’t waver with my circumstances. I taste His grace in the Word, in prayer, in the sacraments—reminders of His covenant love. And I run to Him, my refuge, knowing He’s already running toward me.

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, Your goodness overwhelms me. Thank You for choosing me, delivering me, and encamping around me. When I’m broken, You’re near; when I’m weak, You uphold. Teach me to taste Your grace daily, to bless You in every season, and to rest in the refuge of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Further Exercise:

Find and sing the lyrics of 10,000 Reasons (https://youtu.be/DXDGE_lRI0E) and worship God no matter whether your life is upside down or rightside up. Let the truth of God’s unfailing love wash over you.