Incentives: Sustenance
Scripture Reading — Psalm 34
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:10
To stimulate our quest for God, David sets before us a rare scene. It is uncommon for lions to go hungry for long. These mighty hunters, traveling as a pride, are skilled at hunting and bringing down game. Yet it actually can happen that even these kingly beasts are so hungry that they find their strength ebbing away.
By contrast, there is one thing that never fails. All who hunt for God come home with a bellyful of blessings. In fact, there is not one good thing they lack.
Psalm 34 gives us several examples in verses 4–7:
They may be riddled with anxiety, but they know whom to seek.
They may be facing serious danger, but their faces are still radiant.
They may feel poor, but they still know their cries carry clout.
They may be feeling exposed, and yet deep within they know they are protected.
David knew these things firsthand when he was in a deadly crisis (see 1 Samuel 21:10–15). King Saul wanted to kill him, so David hid among the Philistines, Israel’s enemies. But he was recognized, so he pretended to be insane. He was driven out and then able to hide again, to his great relief. Looking back, David said he had sought the Lord in his trouble—and had received all he needed.
Lord God, help us to learn that in tight places and scary times we can trust that you are always near. Please give us your wisdom in every situation. In the name of Jesus, Amen
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
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