“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
(Psalm 34:8)
What a poetically beautiful description by the psalmist of how one who trusts in the Lord experiences His goodness, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him,” (Psalm 34:8). Especially in times of distress, this verse encourages, comforts, and reassures us that by relying on God’s deliverance and protection we will indeed be blessed.
The psalmist writes these words with confidence, speaking from his own experience, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles,” (vs. 4, 6). As a result, he vows to continually offer praise to the Lord, for he also knows that a heart full of praise to God is his safeguard, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” (v. 1).
Heartfelt praise to God not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a witness to others who are troubled, offering them comfort and hope. When we continue to praise God in the midst of our trials, we cause others to desire this same experience of His goodness for themselves.
The psalmist continues, “The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear him and delivers them,” (v. 7). He asks for God’s attentive presence, for His eyes to tenderly regard him and His ears to be inclined to his prayers. He seeks after righteousness because he knows, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” (v. 15). And he also knows that true peace and security are only available through a close, personal relationship with Almighty God.
A similar spirit prevailed in this prayer of German Protestant Reformer Wolfgang Capito, “Give me peace and a mind to deal peaceably with all men. Let Thine eyes tenderly regard me, incline Thine ears to my prayers, from all peril deliver me. Be at hand, for I am bruised in heart and troubled in mind; set me at liberty according to Thy word, let me be faultless and innocent in Thine eyes. Amen.”[1]
In times of need, we can draw strength from this beautiful, heartfelt psalm. And by seeking God’s deliverance, protection, peace, and righteousness, we open ourselves to experience the fullness of His goodness. “O taste and see that the LORD is good!”
Contemplations:
- Divine Deliverance: When I read Psalm 34, I’m reminded of the countless times I’ve found myself in places of distress, praying as the psalmist did for a way out, “Out of all distresses deliver me, Lord, and at all times will I praise Thee.” This prayer encourages me to trust my Heavenly Father in every situation, knowing that He will accomplish His good will in all my circumstances and that He will, in His perfect time, deliver me.
- Angelic Protection: What a beautiful request for protection, safety, and security is also found in this psalm, “Let thine angel wall me about, that he may deliver me; let me feel thy gentleness.” This imagery of an angelic wall surrounding me reminds me that God’s protection is ever present. It calls me to seek His gentleness in my life, trusting that He cares for me tenderly. “The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them,” (Psalm 34:7). Embracing this promise, I find peace in knowing that God’s angels are always near, guarding and delivering me from harm.
- The Power of Praise: Praising God in all circumstances is a powerful act of faith. “Thy praise will I never leave off, which thing being my safeguard.” This commitment to continual praise serves as a reminder that worshiping God strengthens my spirit and brings me closer to Him. It is also a testimony to others, showing them the power of God’s goodness. “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” (Psalm 34:1). By making praise a constant part of my life, I find joy and strength, regardless of my circumstances.
- Seeking Peace: Capito’s prayer, “Give me peace and a mind to deal peaceably with all men” encourages me to seek God’s peace, both within myself and in my interactions with others. It calls me to be an instrument of peace, reflecting God’s love and gentleness in all I do. “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it,” (Psalm 34:14). By striving for peace, I align myself with God’s will, creating a ripple effect of harmony and goodwill in my community.
Further References for Psalm 34:8:
Psalm 2:2; Heb. 6:5; Psalm 119:68; Nah. 1:7
[1] Wolfgang Capito, An Epitome of the Psalms, or Brief Meditations Upon the Same, with Diverse Other Most Christian Prayers, Translated by Richard Tauerner, Early English Books Online (Imprinted at London: By R. Bankes for A. Clerk in Fleet Street at the sign of the White Heart 1539).
