The Lord Is My Refuge And Strength
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 31 and Psalm 34 (NIV)
(James Tan, Companions in Christ Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Jeremiah 31 and Psalm 34 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 34 is titled: A Psalm of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.
David feigned madness and narrowly escaped from the Philistines. Following that, David went to the cave at Adullam where 400 desperate men joined him. These events are recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1. This joyful and meaningful Psalm seems to have been written from that cave.
David must have felt fearful and anxious at that time. How desperate he must have been to even fake madness to escape from his enemies. Yet, he was offering this Psalm to God, praising and exalting Him. I can imagine David and his men, with radiant faces, filled with joy and singing praises to the Lord in that cold dark cave. They must have felt assured of God’s goodness and protection despite the bleak situation.
This Psalm reminds me of God’s promises to His people:
- He will deliver me from fear (v4,6)
- Deliver me from shame (v5)
- Guard and defend me (v7)
- Shower me with His goodness (v8)
- Supply all my needs
- Listen to me when I pray (v15)
- Redeem me from sin (v22)
On my part:
- I must trust in Him (v4,10)
- Confide in Him (v6,17)
- Take refuge in Him (v8)
- Fear him (v7,9)
- Don’t gossip and lie (v13)
- Do good and seek peace (v14)
- Have a humble and contrite heart (v18)
- Serve Him (v22)
APPLY:
There was a time when I used to meditate on this Psalm daily for a couple of months. That was many years ago when I was a young Christian, just starting my family and business. There were so many unknowns then. Life was always in the fast lane, filled with anxieties and challenges. Somehow, I always found comfort when I meditated on this Psalm. I felt assured of God’s presence and help in times of need.
Looking back thus far, indeed I have tasted and experienced that the Lord is good. He has kept all his promises. In good and bad times, he has never let me down. I am thankful and strive to do my part. Over the years as I learn to fear and trust Him more, I noticed that God has always been guiding me.
DO:
The race is not over. There are still anxious and worrying moments. I need to continue to do my part and rest on God’s promises through Christ in me. Like David, I need to continue to praise him and remember His goodness and promises.
PRAY:
Dear God,
Thank you for your promises and for leading me closer to you. I pray that you will strengthen and help me to trust you more, as I discern and do the will you have for me. Amen.
