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Taste and See that the Lord is Good
We are called to cry out to God, see that He is good and taste His goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 34
Sermon Notes:
- This Psalm testifies to the goodness of God and instructs us in the fear of the Lord.
- David wrote this Psalm after he had feigned insanity to escape the Philistines; men who were distressed gathered around David in the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 21:10-22:2).
- In this Psalm David highlights the Lord’s help for those distressed, in debt and in bitterness of soul.
- As we testify about the goodness of the Lord, we grow in fear the Lord. As we practice the fear of the Lord, we increasingly experience the goodness of God.
- God delivers, provides for, and helps those who fear Him.
- We are called to cry out to God, see that He is good and taste His goodness.
- Those who take refuge in the Lord need not fear anything else (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27).
- The fear of the Lord is a reverent, obedient adoration for God. It is not primarily terror; yet for sinful humanity there is an element of appropriate trembling before a holy God.
- The fear of the Lord brings long life and God’s blessing. It is not pessimistic (v12).
- The fear of the Lord should characterize our speech (v13). We are to love our neighbour, speaking truthfully.
- If you are distressed, you are often tempted to slander or lie about others, but those who fear the Lord keep their tongues from evil.
- Those who fear God are characterized by repentance, which involves actively pursuing peace.
- We are to positively seek good, rejoicing in the truth; we are to speak words of blessing, building up those around us (Eph. 4:29,31).
- Shalom in Hebrew refers to the wholeness of God’s goodness and blessing upon His people.
- We are not to hide in the cave; we are to seek the welfare of the city, of God’s people; we are to pursue shalom.
- God cares for us in a way that is personal and intimate.
- We look to God for help because we know His eyes and ears are turned toward us watching over us continually.
- Though we face afflictions, God saves us from them all.
- Psalm 34 looks forward to the goodness of God poured out in the cross where Jesus died in our place (Jn. 19:36).
- The Lord redeems the life of His servants, granting them eternal life. None who take refuge in God will be condemned.
Application Questions:
- What does it mean for the believer to “fear the Lord?”
- How does the unbeliever’s “fear” of God differ from the believers’?
- What is the relationship between fearing God and tasting the goodness of God?
- What are some ways God watches over you, hears your cry, provides for you, and delivers you?
- What applications does Peter draw from Psalm 34? See 1 Peter 2:1; 3:8-12.
- How is the cross of Christ the basis of establishing God’s peace?
- What can we do this week to pursue God’s peace for the world around us?