Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
Psalm 34:1-8
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
In this Psalm David is running for his life. King Saul is trying to kill him. He has enemies encamped around him on every side. He’s in an unfamiliar place. On top of all that, God’s plan was yet to be fulfilled. He had been anointed King, but Saul was still running the nation right into the ground. If it was me I might be thinking, “Come on Lord, really?! I’ve been faithful to you and this is what you put me through?!” But not David. David breaks out in a crescendo of praise, and in this he shows us how to persevere through troubled times.
First, we must rejoice in the Lord. David vows to bless the Lord at all times and to continually praise Him. No matter what you’re facing today you can always thank the Lord for your salvation. Isn’t that what really matters? David looks past His circumstances to the one above them and vows to praise Him. When you’re anxious and afraid and don’t know what to do, praise the Lord! When your spouse is hurting and you don’t have an answer, praise God! When your kids are struggling and you don’t know what to do, worship the Father! When your boss is acting a fool and you think you might go crazy, rejoice in the Lord! When all around you seems like it’s falling apart just look up and praise God! Bless the Lord at all times and your perspective will be transformed.
Second, we must remember God’s faithfulness. David begins to recount how God had kept His promises. When Satan gets out his list of infractions against you, just get out your list of God’s actions for you! Sometimes we need to sit down and remind ourselves of just how good God really is. David recounted that the Lord had answered his prayers, delivered him from all his fears, lifted up his head, provided for him in times of need, and rescued him out of past troubles. Child of God, the Lord has been good to you! Don’t you ever forget it or doubt it! Look back over your life and recount His faithfulness.
Lastly, we must rest in His provision. David goes on to say in verse 9 that those who fear the Lord have no lack. May we never forget that we are not the tail but the head! Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus has given us life and that abundantly. He has promised to meet our every need according to His riches in glory. When you’re worn out, He’s just getting warmed up! When you’re sick, make an appointment in prayer with the Great Physician! If your bank account is empty, remember that Heaven has an endless supply! Whatever you need Jesus is! He is the great I Am, so whatever you need today He is!
Right now it’s hard. We don’t know when Covid-19 is going to end. Nobody knows who’s going to be the next President. It’s unclear what will become of all the social unrest and racial tension in our country. The economic outlook is foggy. But here’s the good news: Heaven is not surprised or up in arms over the struggles you and I face. We serve a good God who not only meets our temporal needs, He sent His Son Jesus to meet our deepest need. Child of God, bless the Lord at all times. Let His praise continually be in your mouth. Taste and see that He is good every day. Turn your eyes upon Jesus….Look full in His wonderful face….and the things of earth will grow strangely dim….in the light of His glory and grace.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I will bless You at all times. When I’m hurting, struggling, or alone, still I will praise You. When I’m tired and stressed, even then will I worship You. You are good and faithful. You keep Your promises and bless Your Children. I love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.