Psalm 34 As we study this Psalm and the coordinating passage from 1 Samuel, we will walk with David through

some very difficult times. Yet, we will see the goodness of God which prevails in every circumstance of life. Well also catch a glimpse of one of the most precious examples of true friendship in all of Scripture. Spend time on this study each day. Allow God to use His Word to mold your heart. When we get to the study of the Psalm, think about how the Truth of Who God is impacts every aspect of your life. Im praying as our understanding of God grows, so will our outpouring of praise, adoration and love. Day One: 1) Lets begin by reading Psalm 34. Just read through it and remember we will be coming back to see Who God is as He is described here. 2) Today, well also read some of the events leading up to the situation that prompted the writing of this Psalm. Read 1 Samuel 20 and describe the relationship of David and Sauls son Jonathan: 3) While Saul has the utmost hatred, jealousy and fear of David, Jonathan has the utmost respect, love and kinship with him. How does God use this relationship to build Davids faith in the face of such a fearful situation? 4) Jonathans love for David is a perfect example of true love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Look through the characteristics of love there and explain how Jonathan shows this kind of love for David: 5) Examine your own life and think about two things: Do you have this kind of godly friendship with someone? And, are you this kind of godly friend to someone else? Day Two: 1) Today, well read through 1 Samuel 21 and well see how David makes some unusual choices and decisions in his flight from Saul. Read the whole chapter and take a look at any cross references and notes you have to explain the holy bread and jot down some thoughts on the significance of David eating it: 2)Take a look at verse 7. Who is there and what does he witness? He will be very important in the events of the next chapter. Psalm 52 is written in light of this mans actions against David. 3) David begins to trust in the sword of his enemy, Goliath, and takes refuge in the city of the enemy of God, the Philistines. How does Davids fear increase during the events of this chapter? 4) As you witness what David says and does, determine whether his deception is right or wrong in light of his situation. (Remember, he is being hunted by a madman, spied on and his actions reported at every turn.) Use Scripture to back up your thoughts. Also, consider the question, what are his choices? Day Three: 1) Read 1 Samuel 22:1-2. Where does David go and who joins him there? 2) David runs for his life and is hiding once again. From this experience, he is led to write Psalm 34. Considering all he has been through from his time with his friend, Jonathan, the Prince of Israel, to his own deception of the king of Gath, what might David be feeling as he sits against the cold stone walls of his cave hideout? 3) David, the anointed king who should be captain of the choicest warriors, becomes captain of the rejected of society. What lessons could he learn from leading these men? 4) Read Matthew 9:10-11. How are the life circumstances of these men similar to those who came to eat with Jesus? 5) What character traits of Christ might God build in David through his leadership of this group? Day Four: 1) Take some time to pray before reading Psalm 34. Ask God to show you some very specific aspects of His character and nature. 2) Take to heart the discoveries you make as you walk through this Psalm and complete the sentence, My God is in every verse.

Day Five: 1) Go back through Psalm 34 and take a look at the first ten verses. How are they like a personal testimony to take to heart? 2) Now read the next twelve verses. How are they more like teaching to make application? 3) In the first section, David speaks of the angel of the Lord. Who is this and what does He do? (2 Kings 6:8-20; Daniel 6:22). 4) Verse 8 tells us to taste and see that the LORD is good 1 Peter 2:3 also speaks of tasting Gods goodness. Based on the testimony of David, how had he tasted the goodness of God? 5) In the second section, David gives very specific application steps. List those here and give some practical examples of how to implement them in your own life. 6) Choose one verse from this Psalm and commit it to memory. Be willing to share with us when we get back together. Have a great time studying! I cant wait to hear all that you discover!!!