Yan Hadley spoke tonight from Ps 34, focussing on God’s ability to deliver us.
The Reality of Affliction
Ps 34 was written by David at a time of great affliction as he faced many problems. The troubles that can afflict us can be varied, but tribulation and persecution will certainly come (see 1 Pet 4:12). The enemy causes problems (as Job testifies) and at times people can cause problems (including family problems). When we face affliction, we have to hold on to God’s truth and reject the devil’s lies (and half-truths…)
The Release from Affliction
God promises to deliver us from troubles. Ps 34:19 acknowledges the troubles David has, but he is keen to focus on the Lord’s ability to deliver. We need to look for God’s ‘buts’ in the Bible (see Ps 30:5, Jn 10:10, 2 Cor 4:8). All things are possible to those who believe (Mk 9:23), but the key is for us to look to God in expectant faith, knowing that He is willing and able to release us from snares, traps and pitfalls.
The Response of the Righteous
We can respond to troubles either by adopting wrong attitudes (usually involving doubt) or by focussing on God’s ability to hear and deliver us. It’s easy to believe God when everything is going well, but He longs for us to trust Him in the dark times as well. David’s response is to bless and praise God at all times (Ps 34:1, see also the disciples’ response to opposition in Acts 5:41). David shows us that we need to respond to trials by seeking God (Ps 34:4), reminding us that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Ps 34:10) The experience of those who have seen God at work in deliverance is to pass this message on so others can believe for and experience this themselves. ‘My God is able to deliver!’