Psalm 34
A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psalm 34

Introduction
Psalm 34 is one of David’s most beloved psalms of thanksgiving. It was written during a time of fear and danger, when David pretended madness before the Philistines in order to escape Saul (1 Samuel 21). From that desperate situation, David lifts a psalm of gratitude and trust in God. This psalm is divided into two sections: first, David’s personal thanksgiving for God’s deliverance, and second, a teaching segment where David instructs us on what kind of worshippers God desires. It reminds us that God listens, provides, protects, and ultimately redeems His people.

Praise at All Times (Psalm 34:1–3)
David begins, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” His gratitude led him to constant worship. True worship springs from a grateful heart. Those who do not recognize God’s blessings cannot sincerely praise Him. David invites others: “Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Exalting God does not make Him greater, but it proclaims His greatness to the world. Worship is our declaration that God is worthy.

Delivered from Fear (Psalm 34:4–7)
David recalls, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” In his darkest hours, hiding from Saul, God was his refuge. He describes the righteous as radiant, unashamed, and surrounded by the angel of the Lord. This imagery is powerful—God encamps around His people like a protective shield. Faithful living does not remove difficulties, but it ensures God’s presence and deliverance through them.

God Provides for His People (Psalm 34:8–14)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” David invites us to experience God’s provision firsthand. God meets our needs, not necessarily our wants, but everything necessary for life and godliness. Jesus affirmed the same in Matthew 6:33—when we seek first His kingdom, our needs are supplied. David then teaches what kind of people God provides for: those who control their speech, turn from evil, do good, and pursue peace. Faithful living requires both resisting sin and actively doing good.

The Eyes of the Lord Are on the Righteous (Psalm 34:15–18)
God watches over His people: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” David emphasizes that God knows our struggles, understands our burdens, and hears our prayers. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those with a contrite spirit. He is never far away, but always attentive to the cries of His faithful children.

The Lord Redeems His Servants (Psalm 34:19–22)
David concludes by contrasting the righteous and the wicked. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” God guards His people, while the wicked are destroyed by their own sins. The psalm ends with this assurance: “The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” Redemption and salvation belong to those who trust fully in the Lord.

Psalm 34 Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

• Context: David fleeing Saul, feigning madness before the Philistines (1 Samuel 21).

• Psalm of thanksgiving and teaching.

• Divided into two parts: David’s gratitude and instruction for worshippers.

II. Praise at All Times (vv. 1–3)

• Worship springs from gratitude.

• Praise should be continual.

• Magnify and exalt God together.

III. Delivered from Fear (vv. 4–7)

• David sought the Lord in fear; God delivered him.

• Righteous are radiant and unashamed.

• God encamps around His people.

• Faithful living brings God’s protection, not freedom from difficulty.

IV. God Provides for His People (vv. 8–14)

• “Taste and see” the Lord’s goodness.

• God supplies needs, not wants (Matthew 6:33).

• Qualities of the faithful:

  • Control their speech (v. 13).

  • Depart from evil and do good (v. 14).

  • Seek peace and pursue it diligently.

V. The Eyes of the Lord Are on the Righteous (vv. 15–18)

• God hears the prayers of the faithful.

• The Lord is near the brokenhearted and contrite.

• His presence is constant, His care personal.

VI. The Lord Redeems His Servants (vv. 19–22)

• Righteous face afflictions but are delivered.

• Wicked are condemned by their own sins.

• God redeems His people—none who trust in Him will be condemned.

VII. Conclusion

• Psalm 34 teaches us to trust, praise, and obey.

• Gratitude leads to worship, and worship strengthens faith.

Call to Action

Psalm 34 asks us one question: Do we truly trust God? Trust means praising Him continually, seeking Him in fear, relying on Him for provision, living faithfully, and hoping in His promises. If we believe His word, we must act in obedience—whether in becoming a Christian, remaining faithful, or deepening our prayer life. Tonight, the invitation is open: will you trust God enough to take the next step?

Key Takeaways

• God deserves continual praise from grateful hearts (Psalm 34:1–3).

• He delivers His people from fear and surrounds them with protection (Psalm 34:4–7).

• The Lord meets the needs of those who seek Him (Psalm 34:8–14; Matthew 6:33).

• God’s eyes and ears are always on the righteous (Psalm 34:15–18).

• He redeems His servants; none who trust in Him will be condemned (Psalm 34:19–22).

Scripture References

• Psalm 34 – Main text.

• 1 Samuel 21 – Historical background of David before the Philistines.

• Matthew 6:33 – God provides for those who seek His kingdom first.

• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

• John 16:33 – Jesus offers peace unlike the world’s peace.

• Proverbs 19:21 – The Lord’s counsel will stand.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO