Psalm 34:9-14 (NRSV)
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Verse 9O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
Verse 10The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Verse 11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Verse 12Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Verse 13Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Verse 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Devotion
Our culture idolizes those who are strong and competitive. Our entertainment glorifies domination and retributive violence. Our world puts a premium on the fleeting vitality of youth. We gladly spend our monies to celebrate, venerate and emulate the young lions. Yet their ways lead them to suffer want and hunger. The coveted fountain of youth and power reveals itself as a mirage of self-deception and vanity.
Yet there is one in whom we can find life that satisfies our needs. There is peace to be had—a path that shuns evil and beckons us to embrace goodness. Jesus came into this world to bring life. To pursue the lost. To be the bread of life. To win a lasting peace. To call his followers toward goodness. The world tried to feed him to the lions. But the Lion of Judah has prevailed—not through the vain powers of this world but through an abiding and infectious servant love.
Prayer
God, help us to fear and love you more than the trappings of this world. Teach us always to turn our eyes to you. Amen.