Psalm 34:5-10, 22
“This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.” vs. 6
The little bit of personal testimony in today’s verse provides an intriguing backdrop for this psalm of thanksgiving. It reminds us that our scriptures emerged from an historical context that was not much different from our own. Like many of us, the psalmist had experienced suffering. It could have been any number of things: health, relationships, persecution…we really don’t know. But whatever the cause, deep pain had been the result, and there had likely been tears. When that happens, the natural response is to cry out to God, and the psalmist was no exception. And it had made a difference! The prayer was heard by the Lord and there had been relief, and the psalmist responded with a song of praise. Such thanksgiving flows naturally from our hearts and mouths when our deepest needs are satisfied and we experience the salvation of God. After deep bouts of grieving and wrestling with demons, it brings profound relief to have such sorrow come to an end. Smiles return to our faces and anxieties are dissipated…hope returns and joy fills our hearts. Soon we want to tell everyone about the steadfast love of our good God and how we were able to find refuge and relief in our faith. We might wish that our lives would contain an endless procession of such days…and of course that doesn’t happen. Pain returns, and with it sorrow! Yet, knowing that God is good can enable praise even in the presence of darkness.
Thought for the Day: For what am I praising God today?
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