THE BLESSINGS OF BELIEVING!

Psalm 34:1-10

INTRODUCTION: We love the song: “Oklahoma” when it says “everything is going my way!” But what about those times when everything is not going our way? The Psalmist tells us God’s way to handle life when it does not seem to be going our way: Psalm 56:3-4; Psalm 62:8; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 34:8: a blessed man is a happy man. The person whose sins have been forgiven is a happy person: Psalm 32:2. The person who does not walk in the way of the wicked is a happy person: Psalm 1:1-2.

I. THE REACTIONS TO ADVERSITY OF A TRUSTING MAN!

David in Psalm 34 is not the king yet. In fact he is hiding in a cave from King Saul. How does David react to his negative situation? Psalm 34:1-3: David is praising the Lord in the midst of his troubles! David’s praise for God is first unconditional praise! Psalm 34:1. The word “extol” comes from a root word that means “to kneel.” David’s praise of his God is not only during the good times of life. Ephesians 5:18-20. Second David’s praise was unceasing! Psalm 1:1: David’s praise was not silenced by the hard times of his life! Third: David’s praise of his God was uncontained praise: Psalm 34:2. David invited others to join with him in praise to God: Psalm 34:3. Sadly, often we let our circumstances dictate whether we praise our God or not. David realized that God is worthy of our praise in spite of what may be going on in our lives. Romans 8:28-29. If we are not trusting our God it is hard to give Him thanks when things don’t seem to be going our way. David’s cave experience did not silence his tongue from praising his God! His praise was the praise of faith.

II. THE RECOURSE TO ADVERSITY OF THE TRUSTING MAN!

In Psalm 34:4-6 we see the recourse and steps taken by a man who chose in his adversity to continue trusting his God: David did not cry out in hopelessness! David had his faith in the promises of his God as an anchor for his soul. In his trying time David simply turned to his God and found Him more than able to help him. Psalm 31:1; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 34:7.

III. THE REWARD OF TRUSTING GOD INOUR ADVERSITY!

We are now given an invitation to trust our God: Psalm 34:8. The invitation here is to find out for yourself the results of trusting God during your times of testing. What are the results of trusting in our God? First we see that trusting our God’s promises brings a complete life. Psalm 34:9-10. There is no lack or want of those who trust in God: Psalm 23:1. When we trust in the Lord with all of our heart we will gain a contented life: Psalm 34:8; Proverbs 15:15-17. There truly is a secret to the happy life and it is faith in the promises of God: Philippians 4:11-13. That was the apostle Paul’s secret to contentment and it can be yours as well: Psalm 37:4-6; Isaiah 33:6. Let the Lord be the foundation for your life. When adversity hits let His praise be on your lips, bless His holy Name and watch Him work for your good!