Resting in the Psalms

Today I am resting in Psalm 34:1-7.

”I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Today, and always, I keep the Praise Music flowing in my room, in my car, in the children’s room, in the kitchen … you get the point.

I am comforted by the words. I trust in those words. I will continually Praise the Lord: if it’s beautiful and sunny, if it’s cloudy and rainy, if the sky is falling and it seems like I have to breathe under the torrent of water crashing down upon me. I will look to the skies and continue to Praise the Lord.

“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Psalm 34:2

Boasts. My soul is proud that You are Lord. It shouts of Your greatness. When I am quite and listen, I will HEAR. Even if I don’t have full understanding, I will be glad in YOU despite what is going on around me.

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34: 3

I will Praise Him. Let’s all come together, friends, support each other, live in community together, and Praise Him TOGETHER.

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

I actively pursue him, and He delivers me. He sets me free. He rescues me. He takes my fear, and holds it so I don’t have to. He allows me to simply rest in Him!

“They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5

It is interesting, The Bible goes from the first person of “I,” to talking about “they.” So, more than one person sought after God without abandon. They sought Him without the shackles of shame.

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:6

Out of all the people seeking the Lord, He heard one man’s cry. He was able to touch this ONE man out of many, heard him, and rescued him from what was troubling him.

“The Angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

There is a lot going on in this verse. First of all, ‘fear’ does not hold the common meaning ‘to be afraid of’ in this instance. It is used to talk about regarding God with reverence or awe. Second, The Angel of the Lord talked bout in this verse is seen in other places in the Bible. He often speaks in the first person, leading some to believe it is the preincarnate of Jesus. If this is in fact the case, Jesus stays with those who actively seek out and show reverence or awe towards God. He also takes their fears from them (see above), allowing them to be still and rest.

What verse are you resting in today?