What does Psalm 34:17 mean?

David knew by firsthand experience that the Lord hears the prayers of those who love Him. God protected David from Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45–51) and from King Saul who chased David in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:15). However, even David knew that faith in God does not make anyone immune from difficulty (Psalm 34:19).

Contrary to the belief that faith in Jesus exempts believers from trouble, the Bible affirms that believers will encounter hardship. Persecution, harsh trials, and pressing temptation befall believers who endeavor to serve the Lord (John 16:1–4). While God promises to provide for our "needs" (Mathew 6:31–34), He alone knows what those "needs" really are (Romans 8:28–30). What we "need" to accomplish His will may not be what we want, or what we expect.

Hebrews 11 honors the faith of believers whose faith enabled them not only to do exploits but also to triumph over severe persecution (Hebrews 11:35–38). God's deliverance may not always be physical. Sometimes it comes as emotional, mental, or spiritual deliverance; the only "saving" believers in God are absolutely guaranteed is from the penalty of sin in eternity (John 10:28–29). Paul was given spiritual relief; even though his "thorn…in the flesh" remained, God's grace enabled him to rise above the affliction (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). He asserted, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).