‘Those who love and fear you lack nothing,’ sings the Psalmist. ‘God listens. God delivers. God protects.’ But we know the truth. Good people suffer. The poor are hungry. The innocent are accused. Prophets are silenced. So, is this psalm sanctimonious and full of false promises? Or is something else going on?
Like so much, it depends. When the rich, the powerful and the comfortable declare that ‘Those who fear God lack nothing’ while ignoring the needs of this world, then the psalm rings hollow. It becomes a weapon, used to justify privilege while further oppressing those who are already heavily burdened. ‘Why doesn’t God fill my stomach?’ we wonder. ‘Why doesn’t God protect me?’
But the psalm isn’t about the rich. It’s about the humble, the fearful, the suffering, the broken hearted who are calling out to God. It’s about those who experience the pain of this world, and are determined to do something about it. And what do they do? They name their pain. They praise God in ways that those who hear them aren’t further burdened, but heartened and encouraged. They turn to God, and their faces are transformed. They pursue the welfare of others, and God pays close attention. They open their hearts, and God enters into their pain, embracing, strengthening, reviving and renewing their spirits.
In other words, the psalm’s promises are for those who don’t rely on their own resources, or who don’t have resources to rely on. It’s for those who, despite everything, seek shalom and keep their eyes fixed on God.
As people of faith, we are not promised safety, health or material wealth. Faith doesn’t lead to a life of ease. ‘Many are the troubles of the righteous,’ sings the Psalmist, ‘but God will deliver them from them all.’ No matter how faithful we are, we will still know suffering. But when we focus on God and work for the good, God will draw near, and God will be with us.
So take a moment now to reflect on a time of difficulty. Maybe you were broken-hearted. Maybe you were anxious, or afraid. What work, stories or prayers sustained you? How did God minister to you? What hungers has God satisfied in you? In the spirit of the psalm, why not tell someone about it, that ‘the humble [may] hear and rejoice’ with you, and all can praise God’s name.
PREPARE: Make yourself comfortable. Uncross your legs; relax your body; uncomplicate your heart. Ask God to help you surrender to whatever it is that God wants to do in you or say to you today. Breathe slowly and deeply in, then out.
2. READ: Read the following passage aloud at least three times through, slowly. Listen carefully. Notice anything which captures your attention.
I called in my affliction; God heard me.
God saved me from all my troubles.
The angel of God encompasses those who fear,
and will deliver them.
Taste and see that God is good!
Happy are those who trust!
Fear God, you saints,
for those in awe lack nothing.
The young lions lack and suffer hunger,
but God-seekers lack nothing good.
Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you awe of God.
Who among you relishes life?
wants time to enjoy good things?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from lying words.
Turn away from evil. Do good.
Seek peace and pursue it.
God’s eyes are on the righteous,
God’s ears are open to their cry.
God’s face is against those who do evil …
God is near the broken hearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but God will deliver them from them all …
God redeems the life of servants;
close to you, none will be destroyed. (Psalm 34:6-16,18-19, 22)
3. REFLECT: Allow a word, phrase or image to speak to you. What do you notice? What emotions do you feel? What questions are bubbling up? Reflect in silence.
4. RELATE: Now wonder: At a time of suffering, what work, stories or prayers sustained you? How did God deliver you? What hungers has God satisfied in you? Tell God about it.
5. RESPOND: What is God calling you to now? Pray about this, and tell God about anything which is emerging. If you feel called to action, ask God to show you the next step.
6. REST: When you feel ‘done’, rest awhile. Savour the conversation you are having with God, and God’s loving presence. Close with a gesture of thanks: perhaps a simple bow. As you prepare to leave this space, if any word, phrase or image persists, let it guide you. Or if nothing in particular arises, remember this:
- God is near the broken-hearted …
Shalom,
Alison
Reflection on Psalm 34 prepared for the Flemington Ark / Essendon Baptist on 18 August 2024 © Alison Sampson, 2024. Photo by Gadiel Lazcano on Unsplash.
Alison and the whale 