I will extol the Lord at all times;

DELIVERANCE FROM SHAME & FEAR

We see that shame and fear are linked together in verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 34. This means that if we have one, we probably have the other. Being shamed, being publicly humiliated, causes a person to fear, especially to fear a recurrence of the same thing happening again. Or if a person is abused, generally they will feel ashamed in addition to fear, even though they did nothing wrong. The first verses speak of being afflicted. Shame and fear are debilitating afflictions.

FINDING THE WAY OUT

So what is the way out? As we look at these verses from Psalms, we see that the psalmist approaches God with humility and confidence. He draws near to him with extravagant praise and worship: he extols, boasts in, glorifies and exalts. He puts effort and positive energy into seeking the Lord.

The phrase "his praise will always be on my lips" indicates the author of this psalm does this as a lifestyle. And he urges others to join him in his praise. He sees God as not only praiseworthy, but as the answer to his problems. And God responds to him, transforming his countenance from one of affliction to one of radiance.

If we take the psalmist's words to heart and cultivate a lifestyle of glorifying him, we, too can be delivered from shame and fear and be made radiant by his redeeming love and power.

Photo by capdar, http://www.flickr.com/photos/captain_don/