“If a slab of Lindt Swiss chocolate came with a warning label that it could cause mild lead poisoning, I’d still eat the whole thing. Why? Because I have tasted it. And it is good. In Psalm 34 David uses this line of theological reasoning too.”

There are important pros and cons to weigh up when deciding whether or not to include in your diet at least some consumption of chocolate.

One pro is that recent studies suggest that cocoa possesses a significant antioxidant action, protecting against LDL oxidation and other studies observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation after consuming dark chocolate daily. Studies suggest certain chocolate may delay brain function decline as people age, and that chocolate may alleviate persistent coughing.

One of the cons though is that several population studies have observed an increase in the risk of certain cancers among people who frequently consume sweet ‘junk’ foods such as chocolate. And another significant con is that chocolate has one of the higher concentrations of lead, which has a poisoning effect on the body.

I have now informed you sufficiently about some pros and cons of eating chocolate. But I feel like I’ve neglected to mention a factor that may sway you—chocolate tastes really good!

If a slab of Lindt Swiss chocolate came with a warning label that it could cause mild lead poisoning, I’d still eat the whole thing. Why? Because I have tasted it. And it is good.

In Psalm 34 David uses this line of theological reasoning too.

4 Expressions of God’s grace David personally experienced…

1. GOD’S GRACE ACKNOWLEDGED

David penned this psalm shortly after his dramatic escape from King Achish (1 Samuel 21). David escaped from Saul by appealing to Achish, but the guards turned on him and brought David to Achish in cuffs. David acted crazy and capitalized on the fact that Achish had never seen him before. It worked – he escaped. Was it ethical? Probably not, but this is not the point. We don’t look at narrative in the Bible to figure out how to behave. But David certainly thought it was God’s deliverance, and in his providence, God used that scenario to protect David.

What was David’s reaction?

Psalm 34:1-4 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

David saw this escape as a reason to proclaim God’s grace in his life. It spurred him on to vocal praise of God. He didn’t boast of his own cunning plan. He didn’t magnify his undercover skills. He knew that it was God’s will and God’s grace that resulted in his survival.

This is instructive for us. Never say ‘I was fortunate to be the one person in my department to avoid the axe of downsizing,’ or ‘I was so lucky to survive the accident,’ or ‘I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.’

Acknowledge that God’s grace is active in your life. Use language that informs people that you view things through a biblical lens. We were blessed… Providentially… By God’s grace…

2. GOD’S GRACE EXPERIENCED

Ps 34: 4-7 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

David now shares his own experience of that grace. He tells us what it felt like to him. Calling on the Lord is not a superstition. It is not like rubbing the rabbit’s foot before fishing. It is not making the sign of the cross before a soccer game. It is a privilege only available to God’s children. God hears us and he answers us.

Never be embarrassed to approach God to keep his promises. If something is his will, it will come about. David knows this from experience. God told him he would be king, and sure enough, though he stared death in the eye, God delivered him.

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