I went to the LORD for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed.
Psalm 34:4-5 ERV
In this passage, David sings a powerful song of praise, not just for who God is, but for the tangible help He offers in times of need. Like everyone else, he had needs beyond his strength; he needed help with his situation. But unlike most people would do today, David did not run to a man in search of help. He knew that only God could help a man, and he would be helped indeed. So, he declares, “I went to the LORD for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear.” This personal testimony resonates with anyone who has ever turned to God in desperation, only to find their fears washed away and replaced by joy.
David’s experience reminds us that unlike relying on earthly solutions, seeking God’s help offers lasting solace and true deliverance. As Psalm 123:2 aptly says, “A slave looks to his master to provide what he needs, and a servant girl depends on the woman she serves…” Similarly, we should cultivate a dependence on God, the ultimate source of provision and protection. We should learn to always turn to Him for help.
David encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8). He invites us to step into a personal relationship with God, where our cries for help are not met with deaf ears but with attentive understanding and divine intervention. Just as David declares in Psalm 18, we can find our victories through a connection with the Almighty.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalms 18:2-3, 6 NIV
However, David also emphasizes the importance of nurturing this relationship. It is important to note that David was not calling out to someone unknown. So, we hear him say: “In my distress, I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.” Therefore, you must seek Him today for a personal relationship and make sure you maintain the same always.
In conclusion, David’s experience as shared in Psalm 34 offers a beacon of hope for anyone facing fears or challenges. He reminds us that God is not only worthy of our praise, but He is also a powerful source of help and joy. By nurturing a personal relationship with Him and seeking His guidance in all things, we can experience the same transformative power that brought a smile to David’s face and can bring peace and victory to our own lives.
