A Powerful January 18 Prayer (with Psalm 34:8 commentary)

Here is a powerful January 18 prayer to read and reflect on now, or save it for later. The prayer for this day reflects Psalm 34:8 commentary.

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Bible verse for January 18 Prayer

“Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)

Psalm 34:8 commentary- Reflection for your January 18 Prayer

Growing up, I was convinced that I hated salad because I hated all salad dressing. People would tell me that I needed to experiment with different dressings, but they all seemed gross to me. I felt like I was the world’s pickiest eater and couldn’t control it. I remember once trying to eat lettuce without the dressing because I couldn’t bear even trying one.

Once I started dating my now husband, he went on a mission to get me to try different dressings. He reminded me (like I remind my kids now) that there is no way that I could say I didn’t like a dressing if I had never tasted it. “I promise you, one of them is good, you’ll like it!” So we did some taste testing, and I found out I was obsessed with Ceasar dressing. I could now live on Caesar salads if I needed to.

Now that I’m older, I’ve tried a whole bunch of dressings, but it took someone who wouldn’t judge me but would guide me to open up my palette a bit to try new food.

In Psalm 34, the author is trying to do the same thing. This psalm is a Thanksgiving psalm, in which the author gives specific thanks to God for what He has done. In this specific psalm, the author is trying to convince others of the greatness of God. He does this in a poetic way, saying “TASTE and see that the Lord is good!” By saying this, the author is asking us to experience God in order to see that He is indeed good. He then continues on to say that if we take refuge in Him, we are blessed.

This verse then isn’t simply praising God and dwelling in Thanksgiving. Instead, Psalm 34:8 is giving us a specific challenge. #1 Get a taste of what God is like #2 Take refuge in Him. \

The best part?

If we take refuge in Him, we can get a taste of what God can do and how mighty He is. 

Reflection Questions for Psalm 34:8

1. The word “refuge” is used 43 times in the Psalms. We are instructed multiple times to take refuge in Him. What does the word refuge mean to you? 

2. Psalm 9:9 says, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Bolded added for emphasis.) By taking refuge in God, it can become our stronghold when all else is failing us. What part of your life can you take refuge in God?

3. Taking refuge in God is asking Him to cover us and protect us. It is not asking Him to remove the trouble, but for us to seek Him in the trouble and have Him protect us. Think of what you are struggling with today. What would taking refuge in God look like in your situation?

January 18 Prayer

Dear Lord, Help me take refuge in you. Remind me that you are good, and for me to know your goodness means I need to experience your goodness. Give me room today to reflect on who You are, and how good you are no matter what. When trouble comes, you will give me shelter. Thank you for your kindness. Amen.

To find more daily prayers, find our January ones under January Blessings and Prayers (with free printable).

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