Psalm 34:6

New International Version (NIV)

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

For Encouragement

It’s easy for our judgment to slip when we’re desperate. In those moments, we often make choices that aren’t wise. Think about David’s time in the wilderness, running from King Saul. That was a perplexing situation.

Why would David even think about hiding with the Philistines while escaping from Saul (1 Sam. 21:10-15)? The Philistines still remembered how David defeated their champion, Goliath (11). It’s surprising that David, who caused their loss, would hope to find safety there. As King Saul once asked David, “When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed?” (24:19).

David really was a “poor man,” just as he said in the psalm that remembers how God rescued him (Ps. 34:6). When David pretended to be insane in front of Abimelek and let saliva run down his beard (1 Sam. 21:13), it showed how helpless he felt. Still, God saved him, and David escaped to the cave of Adullam (22:1).

We often feel exposed when we see the results of our poor choices. Many of us have been in that place, with nowhere to turn except to call on the Lord, just like David did.

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles” (Ps. 34:6).

God has rescued us from tough situations so many times, just like He did for David. Remember your own stories of God’s help and let His joy fill your heart as you worship and give thanks.

This helps us understand why David says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (8). When we called on Jesus to save us in our spiritual need (Matt. 5:3; Rom. 10:13), God brought us out of darkness and into the kingdom of His Son, where we have redemption and forgiveness (Col. 1:13-14). Now, because we are covered by His righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 6:14), Christ can help us through any trouble (Ps. 34:17).

So let’s come together in prayer this morning to celebrate God’s goodness, because “His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps. 100:5).

Let’s keep praising the Lord and, because of His great rescue, honor Jesus in front of everyone. Let’s also invite others to join us in lifting His name (Ps. 34:1-3), because He truly deserves all our praise.

Pray with Me

Lord, we celebrate your goodness this morning and thank you for your love and faithfulness that last forever. We trust you to keep rescuing us from our troubles so that we can see your glory in our lives every day. We ask all this in the name of Christ Jesus, amen.

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