What to Do in Desperate Situations (Psalm 34:6-8)
- Patrick Dirrim
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. ⁷The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. ⁸Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! —Psalm 34:6-8
David wrote Psalm 34 while he was on the run from his violently angry and jealous father-in-law. God had promised David the kingdom, but now he was hiding out in the hill country, simply trying to stay alive. In crying out to God for deliverance, possibly while hiding out in a cave, he wrote what has always been my favorite verse in the Bible: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
I suspect none of us have been unjustly accused by the king, or are running from our government. Conversely, it’s highly likely that we have all been in situations that seemed hopeless and desperate, whether due to our actions or the actions of others. We can learn from David how to respond in those situations.
Even though David’s immediate future seemed to be in jeopardy, he was able not only to trust God, but also to actually praise Him. This is because he called out to God for refuge and protection in his duress. He looked to the God who had promised him that one day he’d be king. David’s confidence was in God.
It’s likely that throughout David’s youth, his parents had diligently taught him the historical accounts of God’s power and faithfulness to His people. He was familiar with God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. He knew well of God bringing His people into the Promised Land and giving them rest after centuries of slavery and hardship. He knew that despite circumstances and appearances, God would be always protecting, guiding, and delivering His people.
David looked back to God’s faithful actions, and looked ahead to God’s iron-clad promises. This is why it was possible for David to rejoice while he was on the run from King Saul. And this is how we can rejoice in the midst of our own trials. Like David, we should strive to correct any wrongful situations we are in. But all the while, we must keep our focus on God. He is good. He alone–not a bad situation being resolved–is what will truly satisfy. Though our circumstances may not be fully remedied here on earth, God assures us that in the age to come, He will make all things right (Revelation 7:15-17). We can say with David, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).
For Reflection
What promise of God is most hopeful to you, and which of His attributes is most satisfying to you?
How can those promises and attributes lead you to praise God today, even if you are in a difficult situation?
Tell someone in your church family how God is helping you to praise Him in the midst of hard circumstances.
Pat Dirrim and his wife Barbara helped start Grace Fellowship church in Cumming, Georgia 20 years ago. They have worshipped there ever since, outside of the two years when they served as missionaries in Guatemala. They've been married for 29 years and have seven children, three of whom remain at home, and one grandson. Grace Fellowship has been using Truth78 curriculum from the start and the Dirrims have introduced it to many other churches, as well as trained others how to use it.
