Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing
Psalm 34:7-10
David wrote Psalm 34 as he reflected on an occasion when he was so frightened he was desperate. He was running away from Saul, and he came to Gath. He thought he would be safe there, but unfortunately, he was recognised by some Philistine men. They brought him to Abimelech or Achish, the king of Gath. “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?” they asked (1 Sam 21:15).
David’s heart was filled with terror. He was the one who defeated the Philistine army by killing Goliath. Surely, they would torture him or kill him. In desperation, David pretended to be a madman. He scratched the doors of the gate and let his spittle drool down his beard. His ruse worked. Achish scolded his servants: “Look! This man is mad. Why have you brought him to me?”
Later, when David thought about what happened, he realised that had it not been for the Lord’s protection, he would not have escaped the clutches of Achish despite his effort.
It is this thought that prompted him to write Psalm 34.
Now, we may learn much from this Psalm, but we want to consider only verses 7-10 for our purpose.
We may draw three thoughts from these words.
1. There Are Guardian Angels
No, I do not mean little boys with wings flying around you like what is depicted in cartoons. Nor do I mean the four or ten Hafazha angels doing shift work around you as Islam teaches. No, no; Scripture does not tell us how many angels are involved, nor does it say that the angels are assigned to each individual.
But our text says:
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them
v. 7
So, if you fear the LORD, you should be aware that the angel of the LORD has set up camp near you to deliver you out of trouble.
David refers to the angel in the singular. He is probably thinking of one angel in charge of protecting all who fear the LORD. He probably has a whole contingent of angels supporting him since angels are not omnipresent or omniscient.
The apostle to the Hebrews tells us that angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:14).
Although we do not see or hear them, we should know their presence. In a mysterious way, God does not only protect us from bodily dangers with physical means such as safety equipment. He also uses angels for our protection and help. Perhaps many coincidences in our lives come about through angelic ministries. But whether you have experienced it or not, thank God the angels are looking after you. They have been given a specific charge of ensuring no irrecoverable harm comes upon you.
2. the Lord Is Good
David says:
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him
v. 8
It is a fact that the LORD is good. But it may mean little to you unless you stop, taste, and see that He is good. Imagine reading or hearing about a delicious fruit unavailable to you. Will you derive any joy or satisfaction from it? Of course not! You must get hold of the fruit and taste it, then it will satisfy you.
Likewise, though God is good, you will not enjoy His goodness until you taste and see it.
How do we taste and see that the LORD is good? Well, by going to the LORD in faith and prayer. David experienced it when he fled from Saul. Multitudes of believers down the ages have experienced it.
You should try it. Don’t let your present circumstances and suffering fool you into thinking God is indifferent.
No, no; go, taste and see that God is good. Go to the LORD by faith and prayer. Go to Him by calling unto the Lord Jesus. Believe Him, rest upon Him. Plead His promises. Ask Him to open your eyes to see His goodness even in your present situation. He will fulfil His promise. You will then know by the experience of blessedness that God’s word is true: God is good!
3. the Lord Provides
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing
v. 9-10
To fear the LORD is not to be afraid of Him unless you walk in darkness and are unapologetic about it. To fear Him instead is to love, revere, and obey Him. It is to esteem His smiles and frowns more highly than the smiles and frowns of men. Notice how the fear of the Lord is repeated in verses 7 and 9.
If you fear Him, you will not lack anything. Even the young lions, so powerful and confident, so able to hunt anything they want, will sometimes fail to catch anything. They suffer hunger. But if you fear the LORD and seek Him first, you will not lack anything. This is the promise of our Saviour in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow. If you fear the Lord and you are seeking Him, His kingdom and His righteousness, you don’t have to worry at all.
What is it to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness? It is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He came as your Saviour, and you must fear and worship God through Him with His Church. If this is the case with you, you need not worry about how things will turn out for you. You can trust the Lord Jesus to see that you and your loved ones are well provided for.
Conclusion
David was in a strait. He feared for his life. But he experienced Jehovah’s care and love. The greater David was in a situation that David could not have imagined. He, too, experienced His Father’s care and love. Indeed, these words in Psalm 34 are not just David’s confession, but Christ’s—for David wrote them under the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ.
Today, you may be in a rather unique situation. You may feel that no one understands, or perhaps no one really cares. But I want to assure you that the Lord Jesus cares. He was tempted in all points like are we are. He felt the desperation and fears we feel, but he was able to continue to the cross with confidence. Why? Because He knew that the angel of the LORD was nearby to help Him if needed. Also, because He had tasted the goodness of His Father and experienced His constant care and provisions through all the changing scenes of life. Therefore, He gives us these words to sing so that we, too, may enjoy what He did as we walk with Him through the dark valleys we must walk through. Amen.
—JJ Lim