Taste and See: A Devotional on Psalm 34

Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem written by David during one of the lowest points of his life—when he was fleeing for his life and pretending to be insane to escape a foreign king. It is a testimony born out of "the cave." It teaches us that God is not only the God of the mountain peaks but is especially close to those who are broken and hiding in the shadows.

The Scripture

1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him...

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34 (NIV)

Praise as a Choice

David begins with a radical commitment: "I will extol the Lord at all times" (v. 1).

"At all times" includes the times of unemployment, the times of illness, and the times of loneliness. David understood that praise is not a reaction to a good mood; it is a spiritual discipline that stabilizes the soul. When we "glory in the Lord" (v. 2) while we are still "afflicted," we invite others into a hope that isn't dependent on circumstances. Your praise in the middle of a trial is a light that helps other people find their way.

The Radiant Look

Verse 5 contains a beautiful promise: "Those who look to him are radiant."

We tend to look at our problems, our bank accounts, or our critics. When we do, our faces often reflect anxiety, exhaustion, or shame. But when we shift our gaze and "look to Him," we begin to reflect His character. Just as the moon reflects the sun, a heart fixed on God begins to glow with a peace that the world cannot explain. If you feel "covered with shame" today, stop looking at your failure and start looking at your Father.

The Sensory Experience of God

In verse 8, David invites us to "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Faith is not just an intellectual agreement with a set of doctrines; it is an experience. You cannot know the sweetness of honey by reading a book about it; you have to taste it. Likewise, you cannot fully know the goodness of God by hearing someone else talk about Him. You must "take refuge" in Him for yourself. In the middle of your "cave" experience, God invites you to experience His provision firsthand.

Proximity in the Pain

The climax of this Psalm is verse 18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."

We often feel that when we are "crushed in spirit," God must be far away—as if our pain has driven Him off. But David tells us the opposite is true. God is attracted to brokenness. He moves toward the sound of a "cry" (v. 17). If your heart is breaking today, you don't have to reach out to find God; He is already standing right next to you, closer than the air you breathe.

Reflection & Application

• The "At All Times" Challenge: What is one "difficult time" you are currently facing? How can you offer a "sacrifice of praise" today, even if you don't feel like it?

• A Change of Focus: Identify what has been making your face "cloudy" or "shamed" lately. Practice looking at one of God's promises instead. What does it feel like to let Him make you "radiant"?

• Cry Out: Verse 17 says "the righteous cry out." Don't suffer in silence. Be honest with the Lord about where you feel "crushed," and expect Him to be "close."

Prayer

Lord, I will extol You at all times! Thank You for being close to me when my heart is broken and for delivering me from all my fears. Help me to "taste and see" Your goodness in my life today. Let my face be radiant as I look to You, the source of my hope. Amen.