BS1 The Blessed Life 4

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the definition and blessedness of those who fear God.

Scripture

Psalms 34:7-16

7  The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.  8  Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9  Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  10  The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11  Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  12  What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?  13  Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14  Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15  The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16  The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Observations

1. From this Psalm define in your own words what it means in practice to fear of the Lord. (v11-13)
2. List the blessings of those who fear the Lord in your own words (v7-15).

Reflection and Prayer

1. This Psalmist wrote to inspire and instruct the hearer to fear the Lord. Reading this definition (v11-14) would you say that you live with the fear of the Lord?  Why / why not?  Reflect on your tongue, your behavior, and your relationships – and pray where there Lord needs to instill His fear in you.
2. What needs do you have in your life? James says “you have not because you ask not” (4:2).  With thanksgiving, pray boldly through the promises in this Psalm, including:

• Protection,
• Provision,
• Long life,
• Goodness,
• God’s attentive eye and ear.