WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.139 Let's turn back to our reading in Psalm 34 in the book of Psalms. 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:09.980 Page 556 or thereabouts. Psalm 34. 00:00:09.980 --> 00:00:14.939 We're going to look at the beginning of the psalm, verse 1 through to verse 12. 00:00:20.379 --> 00:00:21.940 Verse 8, it says, 00:00:21.940 --> 00:00:29.420 O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.840 These great words of this verse, familiar to many of you, I'm sure. 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:37.579 Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. 00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:40.880 And then there's a question that we see too in verse 12. 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:49.060 What man is there who desires life and loves many days that he may see good? 00:00:51.060 --> 00:00:55.980 How many questions have you had to answer in this past week? 00:00:55.979 --> 00:01:01.259 Every day we have to answer questions of all kinds. 00:01:01.839 --> 00:01:06.099 From the standard questions, maybe what do you want for your dinner? 00:01:06.840 --> 00:01:07.979 What time is it? 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:11.640 We just have these constant questions that keep recurring. 00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:15.239 We have pleasant questions. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:17.959 When we meet somebody, maybe ask, how are you? 00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:23.119 And they're interested in how well you are or how you're doing in life. 00:01:23.299 --> 00:01:26.199 You often answer these kinds of questions. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:29.739 And then there's the direct questions. 00:01:30.559 --> 00:01:36.459 Very often we'll be asked direct questions, maybe questions we want to avoid or get away from. 00:01:36.560 --> 00:01:41.000 They can be maybe to do with our work situation. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:46.099 We're approaching the holiday season and maybe you're avoiding the boss before he asks you, 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:48.840 will you work Christmas Day and New Year? 00:01:49.379 --> 00:01:54.180 You try and avoid answering these kinds of questions, maybe direct questions. 00:01:54.780 --> 00:01:57.260 You've been asked about maybe coming to church. 00:01:57.379 --> 00:01:59.500 Will you come to church with me? 00:01:59.539 --> 00:02:05.640 You've tried to avoid that question or to come to Hope Explored or something like that. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:08.080 And you're trying to put these questions away. 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:13.480 Maybe perhaps in this coming week you'll be asked direct questions as well, 00:02:13.540 --> 00:02:16.580 especially as we approach a time of communion. 00:02:17.540 --> 00:02:21.060 And maybe it's not somebody around you that's asking the question. 00:02:21.200 --> 00:02:22.240 Maybe it's yourself. 00:02:22.939 --> 00:02:28.360 You're asking questions of yourself when it comes to the Lord's table. 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:30.280 Should I go? 00:02:31.160 --> 00:02:33.840 You may be asking yourself or others may come and ask you, 00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:36.580 are you going to the Lord's table? 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:41.980 Do we feel we are worthy of going to the Lord's table? 00:02:42.100 --> 00:02:47.320 There's all kinds of questions maybe going on in our lives. 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:54.620 As we look at this psalm this evening, we find David in the midst of his own experience. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:57.840 Psalmist David writing this psalm. 00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:02.060 And he's writing from his own experience in life. 00:03:02.160 --> 00:03:05.000 Things that he has gone through in his life. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:10.099 And he's writing to others around him, not just at that time. 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:16.919 He's writing to generations to come after him to ourselves today with these great statements 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:21.120 and these great questions for ourselves to ponder. 00:03:21.979 --> 00:03:24.599 Statements like we have in verse 8. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:29.360 Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. 00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:33.620 Or the questions that we have like in verse 12. 00:03:33.620 --> 00:03:40.340 What man is there who desires life and loves many days that he may see good? 00:03:41.040 --> 00:03:43.560 It's a direct question, that one. 00:03:44.160 --> 00:03:47.080 He's talking there about where is your desire? 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:50.020 What is your heart's longing? 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:54.760 And he's going right into the very being of who we are. 00:03:55.380 --> 00:03:56.500 It's a direct question. 00:03:56.620 --> 00:04:02.100 And basically behind it is he is saying, how is it with your soul? 00:04:03.080 --> 00:04:05.840 How are you with the Lord? 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:08.360 What is your desire? 00:04:09.020 --> 00:04:12.560 What is the greatest desire in life that you have? 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:16.899 And so he's asking direct questions. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:22.600 And they're questions for ourselves to ponder and to consider as well. 00:04:22.660 --> 00:04:27.780 In light of not just communion time, but in light of our lives in general. 00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:34.259 And when you see the situation of David here, I just want to put this psalm into context for a wee moment. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:41.439 Notice if you have perhaps the ESV Bible, or some of them at least have a little bit before verse 1. 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:44.259 It explains the situation of the psalm. 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:55.920 It says, it's a psalm of David when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out and he went away. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:02.300 Now it doesn't explain everything for us, but it explains the context of David writing this psalm. 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:09.720 And it's related to a time in David's life when he was in a particular place, in a particular situation. 00:05:10.520 --> 00:05:14.259 And you can read about it in 1 Samuel chapter 21. 00:05:15.439 --> 00:05:21.139 And there you read of what David, how he changed his behavior, as it says here. 00:05:21.660 --> 00:05:29.560 He changed from being a normal person to pretending to be mad, pretending to be crazy. 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:33.420 He was fleeing from Saul at the time. 00:05:34.019 --> 00:05:36.800 And he was fleeing and his life was in danger. 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:44.060 And those who came after him, they found him and they thought they had caught who they were looking for. 00:05:44.139 --> 00:05:47.840 But David pretended to be crazy, to be mad. 00:05:49.019 --> 00:05:52.139 And Abimelech came along and says, I've got enough madmen. 00:05:52.420 --> 00:05:53.439 I don't want any more. 00:05:53.519 --> 00:05:54.399 Just leave him. 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:59.060 And so in pretending to be mad, he was able to escape. 00:06:00.039 --> 00:06:08.120 And it sounds such a bizarre situation that the one who has been appointed king by God himself, 00:06:08.219 --> 00:06:12.879 to be king over his people, is having to act like a madman. 00:06:13.759 --> 00:06:15.719 But that is what he did. 00:06:15.720 --> 00:06:23.080 And it's following this that we see, well, why did he have to do this? 00:06:23.260 --> 00:06:25.680 Where was it that this incident occurred? 00:06:26.200 --> 00:06:28.800 It was in a place called Gath. 00:06:29.820 --> 00:06:31.240 A place called Gath. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:36.140 Who else came from the place called Gath? 00:06:37.140 --> 00:06:42.000 A man called Goliath, who David had killed. 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:48.879 And so here is David, who had killed one of Gath's mighty warriors. 00:06:49.519 --> 00:06:51.819 His very life in danger. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:54.220 His enemies around him. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:59.120 If they recognize him, his very life is going to be taken from him. 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:01.120 But he came through. 00:07:02.339 --> 00:07:04.100 The Lord spared him. 00:07:04.180 --> 00:07:05.120 The Lord kept him. 00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:09.399 And that's the context of Psalm 34 being written. 00:07:09.819 --> 00:07:12.199 After these events. 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:18.699 That David is able to look back in his life and see how the Lord has spared him. 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:21.220 The Lord has kept him. 00:07:22.060 --> 00:07:25.100 And as you go through this, that's what you're seeing. 00:07:25.560 --> 00:07:28.379 That's what we're going to see as we look through these first 12 verses. 00:07:28.540 --> 00:07:33.459 There's a sense of praise and joy towards the Lord coming out. 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:37.199 That there's a sense of sharing his testimony. 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:42.359 A personal word of the testimony of God's goodness towards him. 00:07:43.039 --> 00:07:45.839 So and then you have this praise testimony. 00:07:45.979 --> 00:07:48.879 And then the third thing we're going to see is a desire. 00:07:49.599 --> 00:07:52.339 A desire that others would know this. 00:07:52.339 --> 00:07:55.859 That others would taste of the goodness of God. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:07:59.339 And come and put their trust in him. 00:08:00.099 --> 00:08:01.639 And so there's these three parts. 00:08:01.639 --> 00:08:03.500 That we're going to look at this evening. 00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:08.459 And in many ways there are parts that we can reflect on ourselves in this coming week. 00:08:08.479 --> 00:08:12.000 As we prepare to come to a time of communion. 00:08:12.800 --> 00:08:14.439 When we think of these three things. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:15.240 Praise. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:20.379 It is our praise and thanks towards God. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:22.379 Testimony. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:25.800 What is our testimony of the Lord? 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:28.120 Has the Lord been good to us? 00:08:29.340 --> 00:08:31.680 And are we being faithful to him? 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:35.039 And then thirdly when we see that desire. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:41.440 Is our desire, is our longing to come and taste of the goodness of God. 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:44.580 To come and together praise the Lord. 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:46.180 Give thanks to God. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.299 And how can we do it? 00:08:47.299 --> 00:08:52.819 How can we do it but by remembering what the Lord has done for us. 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:56.039 How he gave himself for us. 00:08:56.120 --> 00:08:59.219 The Lord protected David here in a particular way. 00:09:00.279 --> 00:09:01.879 The Lord has protected us. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:08.039 That if we put our trust, our faith in the one who gave his life for us. 00:09:08.579 --> 00:09:10.099 We know that salvation. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.240 That salvation joy. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:15.080 That we are to remember in him. 00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:17.360 So I want to look at these three things then. 00:09:17.659 --> 00:09:20.639 First of all, that sense of praise. 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:25.240 And you notice that in the first three verses here. 00:09:26.060 --> 00:09:28.460 I will bless the Lord at all times. 00:09:28.580 --> 00:09:32.220 His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:35.019 My soul makes its boast in the Lord. 00:09:35.560 --> 00:09:37.600 Let the humble hear and be glad. 00:09:37.759 --> 00:09:39.740 O magnify the Lord with me. 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:43.460 Let us exalt his name together. 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:46.799 These verses are full of praise. 00:09:47.700 --> 00:09:52.600 They're full of words that express that sense of praise that David has. 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:54.980 I will bless the Lord. 00:09:55.440 --> 00:09:58.580 I will offer up my praise to God. 00:09:58.840 --> 00:10:01.060 Just like Psalm 103 expresses. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:05.539 O thou my soul bless God the Lord and all that in me is. 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:08.600 There's this sense of blessing God. 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:13.180 His praise, it says, shall continually be in my mouth. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:15.100 Never-ending praise. 00:10:15.920 --> 00:10:17.480 Is that how we live our days? 00:10:17.540 --> 00:10:19.800 Are we constantly praising God? 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:24.700 Not just as we sing a psalm together, but as we go from here. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:28.980 Are we constantly expressing that praise to God? 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:31.620 Boasting in him. 00:10:31.800 --> 00:10:32.940 Boasting in the Lord. 00:10:32.940 --> 00:10:33.940 Magnifying the Lord. 00:10:33.940 --> 00:10:35.680 Magnifying the Lord. 00:10:36.060 --> 00:10:38.440 Exalting the Lord together. 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:42.600 There's just a sense of praising the Lord. 00:10:43.420 --> 00:10:48.900 And as you look at these opening verses, what you see is David pledging himself to the Lord. 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:53.319 That this is how he is going to live. 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:59.259 That the Lord alone is worthy of all his praise. 00:11:00.100 --> 00:11:06.439 There are so many other things that could easily take our attention away from the Lord. 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:11.959 There are so many other things that could take our praise away from God. 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:14.540 But David here is focused. 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:21.320 David here is seeing the one who is truly worthy of all his praise. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:23.740 And that's what he's saying to us. 00:11:24.420 --> 00:11:27.940 There is no other God in this world who compares. 00:11:28.420 --> 00:11:33.940 There is no other idol that we can worship who is worthy of praise. 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:34.720 That's all it is. 00:11:34.800 --> 00:11:36.180 An idol-dom. 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:41.799 We are to praise the Lord with everything that we have. 00:11:43.239 --> 00:11:46.859 So God is worthy of our praise. 00:11:47.599 --> 00:11:52.039 And just as David pledges himself to praising God, 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:57.719 so we are challenged ourselves to pledge our lives to him. 00:11:58.459 --> 00:12:02.039 To say that I will bless the Lord. 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:07.459 Not just David speaking here, but yourself, myself speaking personally. 00:12:07.579 --> 00:12:09.240 That this will be my praise. 00:12:09.439 --> 00:12:11.620 I will bless the Lord. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:14.679 His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:19.259 That this is what we want to feel of ourselves as well. 00:12:20.079 --> 00:12:21.559 And we can so often do that. 00:12:21.639 --> 00:12:24.079 We can pledge ourselves to the Lord and say, 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:29.240 I will bless the Lord because he's been good to me when things are going well. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:33.379 But look at what David's situation was here. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:35.360 It was difficult. 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:37.460 It was hard. 00:12:38.519 --> 00:12:40.480 His very life was in danger. 00:12:41.100 --> 00:12:42.779 But the Lord has spared him. 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:47.899 Because he had that delight in the Lord in the midst of it all. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:51.960 But he will continue to praise him. 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:56.200 And that's for you and me to consider as well. 00:12:56.200 --> 00:12:59.040 Where we find ourselves. 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:04.020 Whether it's today, tomorrow, or in all the days ahead. 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:09.680 Whatever situation we come into, will we still praise the Lord? 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:15.160 David was afflicted. 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:17.259 David was challenged. 00:13:17.660 --> 00:13:18.700 David was persecuted. 00:13:19.540 --> 00:13:22.020 And yet he still praised the Lord. 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:25.279 So similar to what Paul says in Philippians 4. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:27.419 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:13:27.559 --> 00:13:28.460 I will say it again. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:29.699 Rejoice. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:34.299 That sense of praising God no matter what. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:37.159 No matter what the circumstances are. 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:40.439 So do we praise the Lord? 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:44.500 There's a phrase that's used. 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:48.019 Sometimes used of sports fans. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:50.279 Fair weather fans. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:54.679 So there are those who are there when things are going well. 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:56.559 When there's success. 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:59.980 But when that changes, they disappear. 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:03.539 They only want to be there when the going is good. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:05.079 When the success is there. 00:14:06.459 --> 00:14:08.480 You just have to look at our own nation. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:11.179 You look at Hamden just over a week ago. 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:15.500 Where 50,000 people singing their hearts out. 00:14:16.459 --> 00:14:18.699 Singing their hearts in celebration. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:22.180 They could be heard for miles away. 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.320 There was that sense of delight. 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:27.660 But how often is it the opposite? 00:14:29.140 --> 00:14:30.340 When the tide turns. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:32.280 When things aren't going so well. 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:33.740 Seats are empty. 00:14:34.160 --> 00:14:35.140 There's no joy. 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.120 There's only shouts. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:37.720 I'll sack them. 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:38.900 Get rid of him. 00:14:39.300 --> 00:14:40.540 All of these things. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.360 Fair weather fans. 00:14:42.520 --> 00:14:44.640 They can so easily change. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:48.379 And the same is used of Christians. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:53.539 Fair weather Christians is a phrase used by some. 00:14:54.340 --> 00:14:59.379 And that's being used as those who will only praise God when things are going well. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:02.679 But when the going goes hard. 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.379 They disappear. 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:05.480 They don't trust God. 00:15:05.580 --> 00:15:09.159 They don't give him the praise in the midst of that situation. 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:11.659 They turn away. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:16.039 We don't want to be fair weather Christians. 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:18.679 We want to praise him. 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:20.199 No matter what. 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:22.980 To praise him with all our heart. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:23.679 To extol. 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:24.679 To magnify. 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.099 To bless. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:27.699 All of these things. 00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:29.179 Constantly going on. 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:31.579 In the praise of God. 00:15:32.179 --> 00:15:34.059 C.S. Lewis once put it like this. 00:15:34.439 --> 00:15:37.240 I think we delight to praise what we enjoy. 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:39.679 Because the praise not merely expresses. 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:43.339 But completes the enjoyment. 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:48.220 Praising completes our enjoyment of God. 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:51.160 Psalm 146 which we sang together. 00:15:51.800 --> 00:15:53.460 The first two verses. 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:55.440 Praise the Lord my soul. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.700 O praise him it says. 00:15:57.320 --> 00:15:58.240 But then it goes on to say. 00:15:58.340 --> 00:16:01.460 I'll extol him all my days. 00:16:02.280 --> 00:16:03.420 Another way of putting it is. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:06.040 While I have breath. 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:08.900 I will praise the Lord. 00:16:09.900 --> 00:16:11.220 Let us praise him. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:12.779 John Wesley. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:15.460 When he was 21 years old. 00:16:16.200 --> 00:16:18.440 He was studying in Oxford University. 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:21.360 And he'd been brought up in a Christian home. 00:16:21.420 --> 00:16:22.720 And he was a very gifted man. 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:24.240 Even at that early age. 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:27.320 But in those younger days. 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:30.320 He was often described as being sarcastic. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:31.460 And snobbish. 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:35.800 He hadn't come to trust the Lord. 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:39.319 But something happened to him in those early days. 00:16:39.419 --> 00:16:43.120 That made him realize what real praise was. 00:16:43.859 --> 00:16:47.419 And it was when he met a man who was working at the university. 00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:48.959 He was a porter. 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:50.819 This man in the university. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:53.259 And he had very little. 00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:56.339 And when John Wesley was speaking to him. 00:16:56.359 --> 00:16:59.719 He discovered that this man only had one coat. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:03.620 That was all he had to wear over his clothes. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:05.039 Just one coat. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:07.319 He lived in such poor conditions. 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:10.079 That he didn't even have a bed to sleep in. 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:13.380 And yet this man was always happy. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:14.839 He was always glad. 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:18.400 Filled with gratitude towards God. 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:21.200 And he expressed his delight in God. 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:24.380 And John Wesley said to him this day. 00:17:25.080 --> 00:17:26.720 In his snobbish way. 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:29.900 What else do you have to thank God for then? 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.900 Very sarcastic. 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.980 And the man stopped and said. 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:39.519 Well I thank God that he has given me my life. 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:40.860 My being. 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:43.240 And a heart to love him. 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:46.740 And above all a constant desire to serve him. 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:50.380 And this resonated with John Wesley. 00:17:50.380 --> 00:17:53.580 He may have made the comments sarcastically. 00:17:54.060 --> 00:17:56.800 But the response moved something in him. 00:17:57.540 --> 00:17:59.260 And he recognized that this man. 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:01.280 Had something that he wanted. 00:18:01.840 --> 00:18:04.320 That he had a sense of praise within him. 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:05.760 That didn't go. 00:18:06.620 --> 00:18:08.580 It didn't matter what his surroundings were. 00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:09.680 What his possessions were. 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:12.080 He could still praise God. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:15.900 And John Wesley came to believe in God. 00:18:16.620 --> 00:18:18.200 And gave his life to him. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:20.660 And so much so that years later. 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.640 On his deathbed. 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:22.940 At the age of 88. 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:25.059 People said of him. 00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:28.039 How he was still praising God then. 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:30.779 And while he was there on his deathbed. 00:18:30.860 --> 00:18:33.420 He began one day to sing a hymn. 00:18:34.340 --> 00:18:36.019 I'll praise my maker. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.680 While I have breath. 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:40.680 He still had that sense of. 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.640 No matter what. 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:44.420 I can praise my God. 00:18:44.860 --> 00:18:46.039 While I have breath. 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:49.379 Just like Psalm 146 expresses. 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:51.759 So that is our call. 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:55.639 To be a people who praise God. 00:18:56.899 --> 00:18:59.019 The second thing we see with David here. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:00.299 Is his testimony. 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.460 In verse 4. 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:04.519 Through to verse 7. 00:19:07.659 --> 00:19:09.539 David gives us here a sense. 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:11.740 Of how he came through. 00:19:12.159 --> 00:19:13.440 This experience. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.019 And again. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:16.680 When we look at our lives. 00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:17.920 We see so many things. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:19.819 That the Lord takes us through. 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.139 And in verse 4 to 7. 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:23.619 David expresses it like this. 00:19:23.680 --> 00:19:24.720 I sought the Lord. 00:19:25.159 --> 00:19:26.079 And he answered me. 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:27.000 And he delivered me. 00:19:27.339 --> 00:19:28.680 From all my fears. 00:19:28.859 --> 00:19:30.680 Those natural fears. 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:33.539 Those who look to him are radiant. 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:35.799 And their faces shall never be ashamed. 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:37.940 This poor man cried. 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:39.299 And the Lord heard him. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:41.919 And saved him out of all his troubles. 00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:44.759 The angel of the Lord encamps round. 00:19:44.919 --> 00:19:46.339 Those who fear him. 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:48.220 And delivers them. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:51.819 So David here gives us an insight. 00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:53.619 Into his own testimony. 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:55.839 How the Lord has delivered him. 00:19:56.399 --> 00:19:58.319 And that's what a testimony is all about. 00:19:58.619 --> 00:19:59.539 Not about us. 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:00.480 And what we've done. 00:20:01.379 --> 00:20:04.139 But what the Lord has done for us. 00:20:04.140 --> 00:20:05.940 And David expresses here. 00:20:06.060 --> 00:20:06.740 I prayed. 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:08.720 I sought the Lord. 00:20:08.840 --> 00:20:09.720 And he answered me. 00:20:10.600 --> 00:20:12.280 This poor man cried. 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.600 And the Lord heard him. 00:20:14.560 --> 00:20:16.020 It doesn't express that. 00:20:16.180 --> 00:20:17.100 Well the Lord needed. 00:20:17.600 --> 00:20:19.320 And should answer all my prayers. 00:20:20.300 --> 00:20:22.780 It's more humbling ourselves before God. 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:23.920 This poor man. 00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:25.860 This poor man was David. 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:26.880 Anointed king. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:28.560 Of God's people. 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:31.000 And yet he's humbling himself. 00:20:31.100 --> 00:20:32.880 And saying this poor man cried. 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:34.500 And the Lord heard. 00:20:35.080 --> 00:20:36.220 And that's all we are. 00:20:36.780 --> 00:20:37.940 Poor men and women. 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:39.320 Poor boys and girls. 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:42.800 And all we can do is call on the Lord. 00:20:43.520 --> 00:20:46.580 And the Lord is able to hear. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:49.560 And as you look through these verses. 00:20:50.080 --> 00:20:53.480 You see that there's two sides of the coin here. 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:56.800 Two like themes that we see in David's testimony. 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.940 One is fear. 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:01.680 And the other is desire. 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:04.700 Fear and desire. 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.700 There's his own natural fear. 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:10.000 He delivered me from all of my fears. 00:21:10.139 --> 00:21:11.980 It says in verse 4. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:14.919 And we all have fears. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:18.599 But we see too that there was this desire. 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:21.099 I sought the Lord. 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:23.779 I cried to the Lord. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:27.139 And the Lord was able to help. 00:21:28.219 --> 00:21:31.139 And what you discover as you go through this psalm. 00:21:31.459 --> 00:21:34.299 That it's shaped on these two things. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:37.119 What we fear most. 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:39.219 And what we desire most. 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:43.839 And that's the way it is with our lives so often as well. 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:46.539 There are the things that we fear. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:48.899 And there are the things that we desire. 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:51.920 And so often the things that we fear. 00:21:52.399 --> 00:21:55.059 Keep us from what we desire most. 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:58.200 And especially when we think of fearing. 00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:01.279 Or deciding the Lord. 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:04.819 There are so many fears that will come in. 00:22:04.879 --> 00:22:09.460 That will keep us from fully having that desire satisfied. 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:12.240 Because we look to ourselves. 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:15.759 He feared. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:18.700 His natural situation. 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:20.400 But it says here. 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:22.859 He also feared the Lord. 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:26.920 And what fearing the Lord means here. 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:29.240 Is not being afraid of God. 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:31.559 But giving reverence. 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:32.599 To God. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.099 And one person. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.420 Put it like this. 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:39.240 If you fear God. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:41.700 Or if you give reverence to God. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:44.059 You will fear nothing else. 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:48.019 You will give reverence to nothing else. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:51.100 But if you do not fear God. 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:54.000 If you do not give reverence to God. 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:57.340 You will fear everything else. 00:22:57.900 --> 00:23:00.600 You will give reverence to everything else. 00:23:00.599 --> 00:23:03.019 So we are to be a people. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:05.519 Who fear the Lord. 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:08.579 Who give reverence to God. 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:10.179 And then that helps us. 00:23:10.419 --> 00:23:12.839 In our natural fears. 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:16.359 Because when we give reverence to God. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:19.639 Suddenly nothing else matters. 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:23.480 When we put our trust in God. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:25.639 When we cry to God. 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:28.000 When we call upon him. 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:31.520 Then we know the help of God. 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:33.920 As you see here in verse 7. 00:23:34.020 --> 00:23:35.980 The angel of the Lord encamps. 00:23:36.340 --> 00:23:38.460 Round those who fear him. 00:23:38.800 --> 00:23:39.980 And delivers them. 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:42.180 This is the help that David had. 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:46.259 As he was playing the madman. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:47.600 In front of Abimelech. 00:23:48.120 --> 00:23:50.060 But the angel of the Lord was with him. 00:23:50.560 --> 00:23:52.420 The angel of the Lord encamped. 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:54.019 The Lord was there to help. 00:23:54.380 --> 00:23:56.740 Because David was fearing God. 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:59.519 Fearing his natural situation. 00:24:00.340 --> 00:24:01.240 But fearing God. 00:24:01.320 --> 00:24:02.740 Giving reverence to God. 00:24:03.560 --> 00:24:06.300 And there he knew God's help. 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:10.620 His desire was towards God. 00:24:11.600 --> 00:24:12.380 There's fears. 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:14.100 And there's desires. 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.539 And for ourselves. 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:18.500 Especially maybe as we approach a communion. 00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:19.840 There can be many fears. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:22.459 Many fears of failure. 00:24:23.339 --> 00:24:25.299 Maybe a fear of rejection. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:28.779 They're not going to let me come to the Lord's table. 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:31.740 A fear of failing God. 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:33.959 But what if I let him down? 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:37.579 Or a fear when it comes to comparing others. 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:39.359 Or not measuring up to others. 00:24:40.679 --> 00:24:41.939 So many things. 00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:43.579 A fear of guilt. 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:46.279 A fear of the unknown. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:49.559 So many of these fears. 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.859 Natural fears. 00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:52.440 That we can have. 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:55.559 But as David shows us here. 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:57.539 It is to fear the Lord. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.599 To desire the Lord. 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.460 To give through reverence to God. 00:25:01.879 --> 00:25:03.200 And then we will know. 00:25:03.399 --> 00:25:05.500 What it is to have the help of God. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:08.460 We'll know what it is to have the angel of the Lord encamped. 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:10.500 That is God with us. 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:12.599 God strengthening us. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.980 God helping us. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:16.559 That we commit ourselves to him. 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:20.779 And that he will help us. 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.880 That he will deliver us. 00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:26.620 We like to take control of our own lives. 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:29.400 To think that we have everything in our hands. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.720 In our doing. 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:34.339 But there comes that time we have to say. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.140 No. 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:38.920 Lord I'm going to put it all into your hands. 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:43.120 It's the best place to put all of these things. 00:25:43.240 --> 00:25:43.940 My fears. 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:44.620 My worries. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.480 My desires. 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:48.900 Everything Lord I give over to you. 00:25:50.300 --> 00:25:51.580 To fear God. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:52.800 To reverence him. 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:54.140 To bless him. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:55.259 To praise him. 00:25:56.620 --> 00:26:01.840 David's testimony is one of knowing fears and worries and troubles in his life. 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:04.759 But also knowing God with him. 00:26:05.659 --> 00:26:07.159 God there constantly. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:09.099 God hearing his prayers. 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:11.419 God answering his prayers. 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:16.339 A testimony is a declaration. 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:21.939 David's testimony here is God is good. 00:26:22.939 --> 00:26:24.000 God is gracious. 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:25.940 God is faithful. 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:29.140 Is that your testimony this evening? 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:33.220 Is that what you're able to say in your life? 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:36.180 Is your praise one that leads you into the sense of. 00:26:36.599 --> 00:26:40.480 My testimony is one that I can do nothing but praise God. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:44.400 Because God has been good to me. 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:49.079 May we all have that testimony. 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:53.460 That assurance of God with us. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.000 God is good. 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:57.980 Thirdly and finally we see here. 00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:00.960 That desire that David has. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.980 Not for himself. 00:27:03.680 --> 00:27:05.059 But for others. 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:09.420 Is it time to come? 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:12.220 That's what David is saying here. 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:16.579 Taste and see that the Lord is good. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:21.039 Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:25.700 As we give reverence and fear to the Lord. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:29.299 That means taking refuge in him. 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:31.680 That means bringing ourselves. 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:32.299 As I said. 00:27:32.859 --> 00:27:35.039 Where we take control away from ourselves. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:37.019 And give ourselves over to God. 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:37.680 And say Lord. 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:40.420 My refuge is in you. 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:41.980 Verse 8 says it here. 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:45.319 Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:47.700 And verse 22 says it as well. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:51.159 The Lord redeems the life of his servants. 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:56.159 None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. 00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:59.720 So this refuge is a place of security. 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:01.539 A place of safety. 00:28:01.659 --> 00:28:02.679 A place of blessing. 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:05.519 And so David says. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.000 Come. 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:09.980 Taste and see. 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:12.799 That the Lord is good. 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:16.039 He has experienced it himself. 00:28:17.060 --> 00:28:19.940 He has spoken of his natural fears. 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.759 The fears that he had. 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:24.440 But the Lord delivered him from all of his fears. 00:28:25.100 --> 00:28:26.279 And he was brought to fear. 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:28.400 To reverence the Lord. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:31.200 And you see how it expresses. 00:28:32.340 --> 00:28:34.280 Fear of the Lord so often here. 00:28:34.400 --> 00:28:35.720 In verse 9 it says. 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:37.040 Oh fear. 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:39.160 The Lord you his saints. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:42.380 For those who fear him have no lack. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.840 The Lord is with him. 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:45.820 In verse 11. 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:48.240 Come oh children. 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.180 Listen to me. 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:50.780 I will teach you. 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:52.340 The fear of the Lord. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.900 And so the fear of the Lord. 00:28:55.040 --> 00:28:56.580 That reverence of God. 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:57.780 Is something we are learning. 00:28:57.779 --> 00:29:00.039 Something we are depending on. 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:01.940 All of our days. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.399 So we are to be a people. 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:06.279 Who fear the Lord. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:08.039 And when we fear the Lord. 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.440 The angel of the Lord. 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:10.940 Enamps round those. 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:12.299 Who fear him. 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.779 And delivers them. 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.139 David calls on us. 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:19.279 Taste and see. 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:21.740 That the Lord is good. 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:24.220 How do you know. 00:29:24.339 --> 00:29:25.899 If something tastes good. 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:28.120 Do you look at it. 00:29:28.940 --> 00:29:30.280 Do you listen to someone. 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:31.460 Describe it. 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:34.519 So many people. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.620 Base it on that. 00:29:36.320 --> 00:29:37.380 You look at something. 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:37.620 You say. 00:29:37.780 --> 00:29:39.040 I'm not touching that. 00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:40.860 I'm not eating that. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.600 No way. 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.519 Or someone describes it. 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:46.080 And I'm still not sure. 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:50.159 So many are watching. 00:29:50.299 --> 00:29:51.659 I'm a celebrity at the moment. 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.319 And they have all these. 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.659 Eating challenges. 00:29:55.699 --> 00:29:57.199 And you're looking at these places. 00:29:57.339 --> 00:29:58.259 There's no way. 00:29:58.419 --> 00:29:59.699 I would taste that. 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.179 There's no way. 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.039 I'm going to go near. 00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:02.939 Any of that. 00:30:03.399 --> 00:30:04.579 And you see the reaction. 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.139 As they're eating. 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.439 It's like. 00:30:05.439 --> 00:30:06.659 Well I'm definitely not. 00:30:07.579 --> 00:30:08.480 You're put off. 00:30:08.699 --> 00:30:09.859 Even trying it. 00:30:11.339 --> 00:30:11.819 Smells. 00:30:12.119 --> 00:30:12.599 And looks. 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:13.779 And all of these things. 00:30:13.859 --> 00:30:14.539 Can put us off. 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:15.879 Trying things. 00:30:16.079 --> 00:30:23.779 But the reality is we don't know if it's good unless we've tasted it ourselves. 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:34.939 If we base it only on what others say or how it looks, we cannot say anything about it really. 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:41.519 But the reality of the Christian life is that that's the way so many people look at it. 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:45.839 They'll hear other people talking about it. 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:49.419 And say, you don't need the Christian faith. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.879 You don't need to go to church. 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:52.079 It's a waste of time. 00:30:52.419 --> 00:30:53.139 It's nonsense. 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:58.980 And so many people will just listen and say, well, if you say it, then yes, I'll just believe you. 00:31:00.139 --> 00:31:04.559 Or maybe you've looked on and you've thought, I want nothing to do with church. 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:06.279 I want nothing to do with these people. 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:09.039 Because you've seen something that's wrong in them. 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:11.319 And we all have our faults. 00:31:11.439 --> 00:31:15.679 People will look at us and they can rightly say they're not perfect. 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:17.839 Because we never are. 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:21.519 But it's no reason to turn away. 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:26.480 It's no reason to say I'll have nothing to do with it myself. 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:30.559 And maybe you say, I've tried church. 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:33.419 I've come to church. 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:36.019 And it does nothing for me. 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:40.720 And it's all based on that experience that's at a distance. 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:46.359 But what David is saying here is not just to look on from a distance. 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:49.319 Not just to listen to what others are saying. 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:52.000 But to come for yourself. 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:57.779 It doesn't say to come and taste and see that God's people are good. 00:31:58.259 --> 00:32:00.039 Or that church is good. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:05.900 It says come and taste and see that the Lord is good. 00:32:06.819 --> 00:32:09.380 Put the Lord to the test. 00:32:09.380 --> 00:32:16.100 Can we say that Jesus is not worthy of our praise? 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:21.060 Can we say that Jesus will not help us? 00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:28.360 That Jesus is just make believe if all we've done has been at a distance from him? 00:32:28.359 --> 00:32:35.719 To be able to answer, we have to come and taste and see the Lord for ourselves. 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:38.939 And what David is saying here is, 00:32:39.679 --> 00:32:44.959 When you do, then you will know it is good. 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:49.120 When you put your trust in the Lord. 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:53.019 When you taste and see the Lord. 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:55.240 All you'll be able to say, 00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:56.880 It is good. 00:32:57.600 --> 00:32:59.259 It is wonderful. 00:33:00.360 --> 00:33:03.400 It's the greatest thing I've ever tried. 00:33:04.600 --> 00:33:06.000 And you will not lack. 00:33:06.840 --> 00:33:09.680 For those who come and taste and see, 00:33:10.460 --> 00:33:13.740 they will not lack in any way. 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:18.759 There are so many things in life that man never convinces. 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:23.380 So many things that maybe look appealing for a moment, 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:25.860 but we change our mind on them. 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:31.559 But when we come and taste and see the Lord himself, 00:33:32.779 --> 00:33:34.200 there will be no going back. 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.900 Because there's nothing better. 00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:40.259 That's what David is saying. 00:33:41.600 --> 00:33:42.640 He is saying, 00:33:42.640 --> 00:33:44.320 My testimony is, 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:46.780 I have seen the Lord's goodness. 00:33:47.580 --> 00:33:51.120 I have been in many trials and tribulations and situations 00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:53.140 that apart from God, 00:33:53.180 --> 00:33:54.380 I would not have survived. 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:56.900 And God is good. 00:33:57.900 --> 00:33:59.420 And so he's saying to others, 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.640 Come, 00:34:01.820 --> 00:34:03.080 taste and see 00:34:03.080 --> 00:34:04.520 that the Lord 00:34:04.520 --> 00:34:05.840 is good. 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:08.639 Why does he say that? 00:34:09.259 --> 00:34:09.719 Well, 00:34:09.739 --> 00:34:11.000 he has that question 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:12.299 in verse 12. 00:34:12.400 --> 00:34:13.380 What man is there 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:15.119 who desires life 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:16.900 and loves many days 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:18.179 that he may see good? 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:20.619 What is better 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:22.759 than knowing the Lord? 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.819 Let our desire be 00:34:24.819 --> 00:34:26.739 towards him. 00:34:26.739 --> 00:34:30.719 We'll be asked many questions 00:34:30.719 --> 00:34:33.079 in this coming week. 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:37.059 But what of the Lord? 00:34:38.639 --> 00:34:40.939 How is your heart with him? 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:44.799 Are you trusting in him? 00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:49.220 And then we'll know many statements. 00:34:50.740 --> 00:34:52.019 And David's statements 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:53.720 is one of the greatest ones 00:34:53.720 --> 00:34:55.420 we could take with us this week. 00:34:56.280 --> 00:34:56.740 Come, 00:34:57.780 --> 00:34:58.200 taste 00:34:58.200 --> 00:34:59.740 and see 00:34:59.740 --> 00:35:00.800 that God is good. 00:35:01.660 --> 00:35:02.900 Blessed is the one 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:04.860 who takes refuge 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:06.000 in him. 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:07.800 Let us pray. 00:35:07.800 --> 00:35:07.920 Amen. 00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:11.380 Lord, 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:12.519 our gracious God, 00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:13.400 we do thank you 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:14.940 for all you do for us. 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.559 We thank you 00:35:15.559 --> 00:35:16.460 for the praise 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:18.180 that you put into our lips. 00:35:18.320 --> 00:35:18.780 We thank you 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.659 for the testimony 00:35:19.659 --> 00:35:21.680 that we are able to give 00:35:21.680 --> 00:35:23.059 of your faithfulness 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:23.800 towards us. 00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:24.539 We thank you 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:25.780 for the desire 00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:27.159 that you put in our hearts 00:35:27.159 --> 00:35:27.780 to come 00:35:27.780 --> 00:35:28.920 and taste 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:29.500 and see 00:35:29.500 --> 00:35:30.320 of your goodness. 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:31.740 And we pray, 00:35:31.740 --> 00:35:32.019 Lord, 00:35:32.119 --> 00:35:34.000 that if we have experienced it, 00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:34.740 we will know it 00:35:34.740 --> 00:35:35.960 all the more. 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.740 And if we have not yet 00:35:37.739 --> 00:35:38.179 come, 00:35:38.659 --> 00:35:39.539 that we would indeed 00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:40.299 be a people 00:35:40.299 --> 00:35:41.399 who would hear 00:35:41.399 --> 00:35:42.599 your call to us 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:43.259 to come 00:35:43.259 --> 00:35:45.039 and taste of you, 00:35:45.399 --> 00:35:46.599 of all your goodness, 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.879 of all your mercy, 00:35:48.319 --> 00:35:49.519 that we might be blessed 00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:50.459 in you. 00:35:50.899 --> 00:35:51.679 As we ask all 00:35:51.679 --> 00:35:52.719 in Jesus' name. 00:35:53.239 --> 00:35:53.559 Amen. 00:35:59.359 --> 00:36:01.019 I'm going to conclude 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:01.679 by singing 00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:03.279 some of these verses 00:36:03.279 --> 00:36:04.599 of Psalm 34, 00:36:05.799 --> 00:36:07.359 the Scottish Psalter version 00:36:07.360 --> 00:36:08.940 page 247. 00:36:11.340 --> 00:36:12.039 We'll sing 00:36:12.039 --> 00:36:13.019 from verse 7 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:13.980 to 11. 00:36:15.900 --> 00:36:17.099 Psalm 34, 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:18.240 the Scottish Psalter, 00:36:18.240 --> 00:36:18.660 we'll sing 00:36:18.660 --> 00:36:19.579 from verse 7 00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:20.720 to 11. 00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:21.739 The angel of the Lord 00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:21.759 and the angel of the Lord 00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:22.899 encamps and round 00:36:22.899 --> 00:36:24.279 encompasseth 00:36:24.279 --> 00:36:25.379 all those about 00:36:25.379 --> 00:36:27.059 that do him fear 00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:28.759 and them delivereth. 00:36:28.799 --> 00:36:29.839 O taste and see 00:36:29.839 --> 00:36:31.239 that God is good 00:36:31.239 --> 00:36:32.239 who trusts in him 00:36:32.239 --> 00:36:32.819 is blessed. 00:36:32.939 --> 00:36:33.639 Fear God 00:36:33.639 --> 00:36:34.279 his saints 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:35.219 and on that 00:36:35.219 --> 00:36:35.699 in fear 00:36:35.699 --> 00:36:36.899 shall be with want 00:36:36.899 --> 00:36:37.879 oppressed. 00:36:37.980 --> 00:36:38.279 We'll sing 00:36:38.279 --> 00:36:38.980 verse 7 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:39.539 to 11 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.799 to God's praise 00:36:40.799 --> 00:36:41.899 to Tuna's Wiltshire 00:36:41.899 --> 00:36:43.039 and we stand 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:43.619 to sing. 00:36:43.619 --> 00:36:54.059 The angel of the Lord 00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:56.000 encamp 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:58.440 and round 00:36:58.440 --> 00:36:59.739 and come 00:36:59.739 --> 00:37:03.079 at said 00:37:03.079 --> 00:37:05.799 for those 00:37:05.799 --> 00:37:06.599 are 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:29.019 those 00:37:29.019 --> 00:37:36.380 To trust in heaven's place 00:37:36.380 --> 00:37:40.940 Dear God, his saints 00:37:40.940 --> 00:37:45.559 Than that in fear 00:37:45.559 --> 00:37:53.460 Shall be where come to press 00:37:53.460 --> 00:38:01.460 The lions young may agree 00:38:01.460 --> 00:38:10.679 And they may love their food 00:38:10.679 --> 00:38:19.940 But they that truly seek the Lord 00:38:19.940 --> 00:38:28.000 Shall not lack any good 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:36.940 O children, hither do ye come 00:38:36.940 --> 00:38:44.940 And unto me give ear 00:38:44.940 --> 00:38:54.400 I shall you teach to understand 00:38:54.400 --> 00:39:01.940 How ye the Lord should fear 00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:06.139 After the benediction I'll go to the door to my right 00:39:06.139 --> 00:39:07.480 We'll close with a benediction 00:39:07.480 --> 00:39:10.519 Now may grace, mercy and peace 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:13.380 From God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:39:13.380 --> 00:39:16.099 Rest upon and abide with you all 00:39:16.099 --> 00:39:17.240 Now and forevermore 00:39:17.240 --> 00:39:18.119 Amen 00:39:18.119 --> 00:39:44.059 Amen 00:39:44.059 --> 00:40:14.039 Thank you.