Verse

Psalm 34:10

ESV The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
NIV The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
NASB The young lions do without and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
CSB Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
NLT Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
KJV The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
NKJV The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

What does Psalm 34:10 mean?

Having grown up in the outdoors, as a shepherd, David would have been acquainted with lions. We know from his testimony in 1 Samuel 17:34–35 that he killed at least one lion that was attacking his sheep. He probably encountered hungry lions more than once. David knew even strong, young lions could go hungry. In contrast to those animals, he was confident that those who seek the Lord lack nothing good for them.

Of course, this does not mean that we will always get what we "want" from God. Or, even that what we think are "needs" will be met. What we truly "need" is always understood in the context of God's will for us and our lives. Everyone who belongs to the Lord encounters adversity occasionally, but He uses that adversity for our good. The apostle Paul wrote that earthly sufferings cannot compare to the glory of eternity (Romans 8:18). Further, he assured us in Romans 8:28 that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Paul further identified this purpose (Romans 8:29–30) as being conformed to the image of God's Son. God has not promised an affluent lifestyle to those who seek Him (John 16:33). What He has promised is that we will never lack what is in our best interest. He has not promised to meet our wants, or to satisfy our expectations, but He has promised to meet all our needs.
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