Kim Melnick
Nov 25, 2025
A Reflection on Psalm 34
When writing about a passage of the Scriptures, writers often brainstorm for a word picture that captures its theme, but after spending time in Psalm 34 this last week, I found myself unexpectedly in a conversation with a woman whose very life embodied the heart of this Psalm in a beautiful way. Even as I was studying the Psalm, the Lord allowed me to see a glimpse of His Word lived out in front of me and to experience the goodness of the Psalm’s message.
You may know that God’s Word tells us that Psalm 34 was written by David after he pretended to be a madman while escaping from the king of Gath. I imagine this was a terrifying time in his life, a moment when he might have chosen to glory in his troubles or boast in his creative escape.
But David opens this beloved Psalm with these words:
I will bless the Lord at ALL TIMES. His praise shall CONTINUALLY be in my mouth.
Far too often, I find myself compelled to complain instead of prompted to praise, especially in hard times. And after a difficult season, I am often inclined to spend more time telling you about how I walked through the hardship rather than proclaiming the praises of the God who brought me through it.
This weekend, after having spent a couple of mornings studying and praying Psalm 34, I stopped by a neighbor’s house to drop off some of their mail that was placed in our mailbox. After a few minutes of chit-chat with my neighbor Joe, he began to tell me about the trials his wife, Illianna, had been walking through. Her health was failing in multiple ways, and Joe expressed the physical, mental, and emotional toll of this season.
He invited me in, asking if I wanted to visit with her. As I stepped into the home, I prayed silently, asking the Lord to prepare my heart for what I would see and how I would respond.
There she was, sitting in the kitchen. Her frail body told the story of her battles with multiple illnesses and physical struggles, yet her face lit up with a welcoming smile, pure joy, and unmistakable hope.
It was clear, even upon entering the room, that she was clinging to a God she knew transcended her circumstances.
Our conversation was delightful. She spoke of the joy of her children and grandchildren—all of whom also live in our neighborhood. She clearly loves and is so proud of each one.
She beamed as she spoke of her husband, to whom she has been married for over 58 years. She marveled at his loving care for her through many years of life together.
At one point, she and Joe walked me through their wedding album, sharing how that day was nearly impacted by a serious car accident the day before their wedding. But this persevering young bride would not let that injury halt the joy of her wedding day. She had shown up on crutches, wearing her wedding dress and a rather large patch above her eye.
Throughout our visit, she spoke nothing of her problems unless prompted by a question from Joe or me.
I knew that Illianna was a woman of faith and a woman of prayer. I mentioned the opening verses of Psalm 34 to her and connected them to the joy and praise that her life was showcasing. She pointed upward—“It is only because of Him.” Her words confirmed all that her demeanor had already revealed.
As she, by the Lord’s grace, chose joy in her trials, her attitude reflected a hope that only the Lord can give.
As Psalm 34 continues, David calls others to magnify the Lord with him, and he recounts a time of crying out to the Lord. Illianna’s praise of the Lord and her joy in Him were contagious, and we indeed had the opportunity to lift His name high and take her needs before Him in prayer—which left us both with teary eyes and peace-filled smiles.
Her praise-filled attitude reminded me to rejoice in the Lord always and openly.
Her joyful attitude reminded me not to worry and to, instead, give thanks in all circumstances.
Her grateful attitude reminded me that God’s peace will transcend the worries of my circumstances and guard my mind in Jesus.
Perhaps the most memorable line of this Psalm is in verse 8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
On a Sunday afternoon, Illianna helped me to do just this. Through her trials, she gave me the opportunity to taste and to see the Lord’s goodness and to see the blessedness offered to the one who finds refuge in Him—no matter their circumstances.
This Thanksgiving, may we be found as those who do the same for others, inviting them to taste the Lord’s grace and to learn the fear of the Lord through the goodness of walking in His ways.
And in the days and seasons to come, in times when we are broken-hearted, may we stay close to the Lord who has drawn near to us, trusting in His ultimate rescue and with His praise continually in our mouths.