encouragement

maybe today you need a little encouraging.

maybe you're afraid - fear seems to be your constant companion.

maybe you're just clueless.

maybe the load of your life s just too heavy today.

maybe you just need to know there's someone out there who's got your back.

Or maybe you're just __________________ (you flll in the blank)


This psalm is full of stuff about all those kinds of things. It's a psalm for me this morning, & I bet it can be a psalm for you, too.




Psalm 34:1 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 discouraged 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,

   freeing 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.



11 Come, my children, and listen to me,

  and I will teach you to fear the LORD.


12 Does anyone want to live a life

  that is long and prosperous?


13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil

  and your lips from telling lies!


14 Turn away from evil and do good.

  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.



15 The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right;

  his ears are open to their cries for help.


16 But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil;

  he will erase their memory from the earth.


17 The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help.

  He rescues them from all their troubles.


18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

  he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.



19 The righteous person faces many troubles,

  but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.


20 For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous;

  not one of them is broken!



21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked,

  and those who hate the righteous will be punished.


22 But the LORD will redeem those who serve him.

  No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.