Why would the Lord leave me with constant background fear? He says he will deliver me from them all.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. [Psalm 34:4]
Usually fears bubble away in the background, even as I pray. It’s only when the fear becomes acute that he delivers me. Maybe, because what is really valuable in life- faith, hope and love are all developed most thoroughly in the presence of challenging circumstances.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [Psalm 34:5]
This radiance is in the presence of fear. With faith and hope, the presence of fear will not take away joy; there is confidence God will save the day.
Looking to God brings confidence that there will be no shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him… [Psalm 34:6-7]
We want to be well off. Yet the Lord hears the call out of poverty.
Who will the poor man fear? those who threaten him, or the Lord? People say, I had no choice. If I hadn’t, terrible things would have happened! -meaning, I didn’t believe God would rescue.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. [Psalm 34:8]
Let’s wait for God, living out the faith, hope and love -the real treasures of life and see his blessings!