By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Psalm 34:4-7

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

One remarkable example of answered prayers in the Bible is found in the book of Psalms, where King David fervently prayed for deliverance from his enemies.

In Psalm 18, David describes his distress and how he cried out to the Lord for help. The vivid imagery and emotional depth of his prayer resonate with many who have experienced similar trials, making it a source of comfort and inspiration.

As the psalm unfolds, we witness how God not only hears but also responds powerfully to David’s pleas, providing him with strength, protection, and victory over his adversaries. This account offers a powerful reminder that our prayers do not fall on deaf ears; rather, they are heard by a loving and sovereign God who is capable of intervening in our lives.

David’s experience serves as an encouragement for us to persist in prayer during times of trouble, trusting that God is faithful to deliver and sustain us. It also underscores the importance of maintaining unwavering faith even when circumstances appear terrible, as God can bring about incredible transformations in our lives through answered prayers.

First, read David’s words in Psalm 34:1. When you are in trouble, do you feel discouraged and defeated? David did. He kept running, running, running, and it looked like it would never come to an end. He lost heart and was discouraged. He thought, one of these days I will be killed. Yet he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

My friend, I do pretty well in praising the Lord on a good sunshiny day and when things go right, but it is not so easy when things become difficult. Yet David could say, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Second, read David’s words in Psalm 34:2. David’s attitude was a testimony for the Lord.

Third, dead David’s words in Psalm 34:3. I want you to join with me in magnifying the Lord. If you and I continue to read the Psalms we are going to find out in one of the psalms that the word of God and the name of God are just about the same. Both are important.

We want to get out the word of God because it will magnify the name of the Lord. I would like to say with the psalmist, O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together, in getting out the word of God today.

Fourth, read David’s words in Psalm 34:4. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” What a wonderful blessing! Others looked unto David, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

In Psalm 34:7 the Bible says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.