Psalm 34 gives us insight into David’s thinking when he feared for his life. In desperation he had fled to Gath, and now resorted to feigning madness in order to survive. David writes “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears… This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them”. God is all around us, in every situation in life. While we’re unable to see the angels encamped around us like Elisha’s servant could, David assures us they are present and working in our life.
From verse 11 onwards, David teaches about the fear of God. “Keep your tongue from evil…turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”. Again the idea of crying to God for help is expressed, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit”. David highlights the importance of prayer, maintaining a relationship with God and relying on Him. Let’s follow his advice, making prayer a real and active part of our everyday life.