Psalm 34:1-3  ¹ I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. ² I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. ³ Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

These verses today present a wonderful ‘picture’ of David’s heart; his reality.  He had pretended to be insane in order to escape the King of Gath – after fleeing there to get away from King Saul who was trying to kill him.  Sounds like a nice normal life doesn’t it?

Even though David had to live with the ever present threat of being killed for years, his reality was his heart for God.  It was so rich and vibrant and full.  Does this picture of his heart match a corresponding picture of our hearts – if one could be taken?  When we read these verses do they describe us?  Are we ‘captured’ by the Lord like David was?  Phrase by phrase they are absolutely extraordinary!

Another picture came to mind when I was considering these verses and how they relate to us.  It was a picture of a meal with the question, “What kind of meal is it?”  If these verses don’t describe our hearts, then we’re fasting or the meal is just breadcrumbs and water.  If they describe us a little, then the meal might be a piece of bologna on a piece of bread.  The more they describe us, the richer the meal.  Think of a dinner with our very favorite foods – where not only is the food phenomenal, but so is the setting and the loved ones we are able to enjoy it with.  That is the richness the ‘picture’ of these verses alludes to.

I think of the rehearsal dinner for our oldest son John and Fabi that occurred in Brazil at a restaurant next to the church, one block from the ocean.  The food was wonderful.  It was a balmy evening with the ocean breeze blowing in the open air restaurant.  I remember so clearly sitting back with tears in my eyes as I gazed at the sight of family and dear friends laughing together and enjoying a wonderful meal and one another.  What a rich time!

The Lord has such richness for us in our relationship with Him if we but pursue it with Him.  If these verses don’t describe us, let us pray, “Lord Jesus, make these verses describe me!  I want the picture of my reality with you; my heart for you to be accurately described by them.”  Pray it daily – for weeks, months, years – whatever it takes.  But pray it with the conviction that He will make it happen – because He will!