Continuous Praise

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” Psalm 34:1.

I was recently studying praise, and one of the scriptures that I came across was this one. If you know a little about the Psalms, David was always in some type of turmoil or testing time, and would look to the Lord as the source of his strength. But what is interesting about this verse is his reflection regarding the Lord delivering him. The psalm starts with a vow to praise the Lord always. In other words, no matter what happens, his first resort will be to bless the Lord. How many of us can honestly say we do that? Truthfully, oftentimes, my go to is to complain first and then pray, instead of prayer and praise and no complaint at all. 

If you continue reading Psalm 34, David doesn’t just talk about what the Lord did for him or praising Him in a vacuum, but he also promises to corporately praise the Lord AND share the knowledge of the Lord to the future generations. 

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

As we see from this example in Psalm 34, praising the Lord should call us into action. Praise should be continuous in our lives, not just praising God when things are good, but praising Him even when they aren’t. We should praise Him for the things He has done, but not just to seek His hand, but as confirmation that He truly cares for us. But most importantly, our praise and boast in the Lord should lead future generations to follow our example of clinging to Christ in all seasons of life. 

Philippians 4:12-13 

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Saints, let your praise of the Lord be continuous and let it guide others to the promises of God. Life will not always be easy or trial free, but we can always cling to God and know that He is faithful and our salvation. 

Go in peace.