The Goodness of God

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness (2Ch. 6:41).

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

(Psalm 34:8)

The Witness of the Psalms - Psalm 34

(A Psalm of David) \Verses 1-3 express the results of David's experience with God

Psa 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

David expresses a genuine, heart felt gratitude towards God, and is committed to bless and praise Him continually for God's goodness to him.

Psa 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

David, out of the depth of his soul, clearly celebrates and openly declares with his mouth, God's favor in his life. Those who trust in the Lord will hear and rejoice in David's testimony because it confirms God's goodness to them. Likewise, we are encouraged and guided by the words of David as we read this psalm today.

Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

David exceedingly exalts the excellence of God and His name above everything else and invites others to join him in praise. He clearly expounds upon the worthiness of God to be praised by all.

Verses 4-7 expresses David's experience with God.

Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard [anah - responded] me, and delivered me from all my fears.

As this psalm will demonstrate, David sought or followed the Lord during his time of trouble. He put his trust in the Lord and is indicative of his continued worship of God, rather than an isolated prayer or request in a moment of need. God "heard" in a response to David's need by rescuing and preserving him from the fear and worry that sought to plague him.

Psa 34:5 They looked [intently at] unto him, and were lightened (nahar - sparkle): and their faces were not ashamed.

David is speaking of God's uplifting power to all those who keep their trust in God, in which, they were not disappointed or made ashamed by that trust, but were supernaturally uplifted in spirit. They were not disappointed because their hope was in God.

Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [sharua - attentive listening] him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

David was depressed in mind and circumstances and God attentively listened as David called out to Him. God protected him and ultimately delivered David out of "all" his adversity. We need to remember that what is impossible for us to humanly do, is never impossible for God to do.

Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth [pitches His tent] round about them that fear [reverence] him, and delivereth them.

The fear of the Lord simply means to remain in the ways of God, otherwise we wander from His protection and goodness. Therefore we value or reverence His ways.

In verses 8 - 22, David exhorts and instructs us on experiencing the goodness of God for ourselves. According to David, there are no two ways about it, if we put our trust in God, we will find our deliverance in times of need.

Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed [happy] is the man that trusteth [take's refuge] in him.

Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

There is no deficiency or impoverishment to those who reverence God. We will not be left desolate and vulnerable.

Psa 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek [follow] the LORD shall not want any good thing.

In the following verses, David instructs us on the fear of the Lord

Psa 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psa 34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

To those of us who desire to live a long life and enjoy good, David tells us not to use our tongues in the propagation of evil and deceit. We are to turn from all evil, do good, and seek peace.

Psa 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Psa 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psa 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

God carefully watches over His people and hears their prayers.

Psa 34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Psa 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

The Lord is near to and delivers His people from a crushed spirit.

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous [just and lawful]: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The word "afflictions" means bad or evil, naturally or morally, causing great distress. But in contrast to the destruction of these adversities, the Lord delivers His people out of them all.

Psa 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

Psa 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate [guilty].

The word evil in this verse is the same word used for "afflictions" in verse 19.

Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate [guilty].

Note: As Christians, this psalm is very practical for understanding the benefits of remaining in fellowship with God through Christ in our Christian walk. However, our standing before God in the righteousness of Christ must never be confused with our present state of fellowship with God. We are righteous in Christ as a free gift from God at the moment of our conversion to Christ, and never from our works of righteousness. However, when we walk in the truth of God, we manifest that righteousness that was given to us, and we reap the promises of God here and now.

To remind ourselves about the goodness of God we need to stay focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, since He is the very image of God.

See why Jesus Christ identifies Himself as "The Good Shepherd"

Proof that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd and Only Door to God

To understand the spiritual battle that is taking place in this world and the source of all evil, please click the link below:

Principalities, Powers, Rulers of Darkness, Wickedness

More to come . . .