The assurance of answered Prayer

 Read Psalm 34. 

In 1 Samuel 21 David was literally running for his life.  Saul and his army were trying to hunt him down.  David crossed the border into Philistia to hide, but he was recognized and captured.  Fear of torture and death ran through his mind.  So, he feigned insanity and prayed to God for deliverance.  This psalm is a song of thanksgiving to God for answering his prayer that day. 

At least three times, he wrote:

I prayed.

The LORD heard.

He delivered me. 

In the middle (vv.8-11), he extended an invitation for others to experience the same joy of answered prayer.

1. "Taste."

Try it for yourself. 

2. "See that the LORD is good!"

God delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of those who fear Him. 

3.  "Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

Blessings come when we seek God as our place of safety and help. 

4. "Fear the LORD, you his saints."

This is a surrender of life.  God alone is awesome.  We stand in holy reverence and bow in humility before Him. 

5. "Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."

He knows what is best for us.  He is trustworthy in the most perilous times.  God’s power can provide for us and protect us.