I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Lions are at the top of the food chain in the jungle. They typically do not lack for food. They are strong and fierce. Quick like a cat and powerful, they’re also instinctively experts at the surprise attack. Hunters are always on the lookout for lions, because they are a formidable force hunting for the same food, or sometimes them. In the days of the early church, rulers would starve lions and then throw their enemies into pits with the lions to be devoured. Lions would terrorize villages at times. When I think of something to fear, being alone in the jungle with a hungry lion on my trail might be one at the top of my list. But this passage tells us that while even the most powerful and ferocious lions will eventually grow weak and weary, those who seek the Lord and fear him will lack no good thing. The inference here is that we will not be tired and weary in doing God’s work, PLUS we will be given all the things we need that are good to do the good works laid out for us. Need extra patience these days? How about less worry and more focus in life? Need to be filled and fulfilled for life? Wondering how you are going to get through the current trials or struggles in life? The answers are right here: fear God and look to him for your strength, your peace, your energy, and your patience. He will make you radiate his love to those all around you!

Lord, thank you for this great passage that brings it all into perspective for me. Life is simple: Fear God and look to him and then, by his power and grace, live in the fullness of serving him. Lord, may you train me to do this better and better each day!