Everything We Need

Read Psalms 33:1–36:12

1. I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9. Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1-10

If you were to make a wish list, what would you include? Would you write down what you truly have a great need for, or just what you crave? Life, after all, isn’t fair, and few people have enough money for all that they want.

Psalm 34 deals with needs and the wonderful way that God provides for them. Do you need something? Follow David’s advice—his observation from his own experience is a truth more durable than any earthly goods.

There are many other things to praise God for in this group of psalms as well, such as the protection he gives us from death (Psalm 33) and unjust enemies (Psalm 35), and for his great goodness (Psalm 36).

David said that “those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). Can this be true? How can it be that God’s people lack nothing good?

God knows what we truly need. Even though many Christians live in poverty and endure hardship, God gives them the spiritual nourishment they need in order to live for him. This is what David is saying here—if we have a relationship with God, we have all we need, despite our circumstances.

If you feel you don’t have everything you need, ask yourself several questions: (1) Is this really a need? (2) Is this really good for me? (3) Is this the best time for me to have what I want? Even if you answer yes to all three questions, remember that God’s thoughts are completely different from yours (see Isaiah 55:8). He may want you to learn that you need him more than you think.