The David Spoon Experience 11-1-23 part 1

A) In Psalm 34:9, the psalmist declares, “I will say to God, my rock, why have you forgotten me?” This echoes Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The prayer is directed solely to the Lord, with the psalmist seeking deliverance and stability from God alone. The psalmist is essentially saying, “God, you are my rock. Where are you? I need your steadfastness and stability right now.”

B) The subsequent verses should be understood in context. The psalmist mourns because of the enemy’s taunts, which feel as if they are breaking his bones. The most painful part is the enemy’s mockery: “Ha! Where is your God?” The psalmist is deeply hurt by this scorn directed at God.

C) The psalmist then returns to the question, “Why are you so downcast, oh my soul? Why are you so disquieted within me?” The psalmist knows where the answer lies but understands that patience, confidence, and stability are required. Even if it appears to the enemies that God is absent, He is always there and will always deliver His children.

D) The conclusion of the psalm is a message of hope: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” The phrase “yet praise Him” implies that deliverance is imminent. The hope is steadfast and sure. The believer does not need to fear because their hope is in God; it’s on the way, and they know they will praise Him.