No matter what else is happening, our place is to praise God
By Dean Collins
When facing a challenge, we do well to assess resources and obstacles and then clarify roles of responsibility. Unfortunately, we sometimes jump into action without this basic review. Overcoming challenges is often hard. But it is especially hard if you fail to understand individual and corporate responsibilities.
David’s prayer in Psalm 34 might clarify our role and God’s in his relationship with us. In this psalm, David is reflecting on a past predicament when he had fled Saul and taken cover in the camp of the Philistines and then became afraid of the Philistine king and the danger he was in. Looking back on this situation, David opens the psalm by declaring praise to God.
A way of life
David’s praise is not only reflecting on the past victory but also a declaration of how he will face future events: “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praise. I will boast only in the Lord.”
“At all times,” “constantly,” and “only” are words that demand our focus. David’s declaration is that praise to God must not be random or occasional. Praising God is a way of life. I think the apostle Paul frequently calls followers of Christ to the same pattern: “Rejoice always,” “pray without ceasing,” “in everything give thanks”—all these describe this same approach about how we are to live and conduct our lives.
A community declaration
As David continues his praise, he calls for corporate participation. Our testimony is not singular but rather a community declaration: “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt in his name together.” You and I individually are called to a life that gives God praise, both when we’re alone and when we’re together with others.
The psalmist declared praise, but he also recalled what happened in him and around him because of God’s greatness. The first of these happens every time we give praise and offer prayers: “and he answered me.” The God who created heaven and earth and formed us from the dust of the earth listens and answers! When we speak praise to God, it moves his heart and his presence toward us. But that is not all.
Responses from God
Here are some of the things God does as a result of prayers of praise:
He frees us from all fears (v. 4)
We become radiant with joy (v. 5)
There is no shadow of shame on our faces (v. 5)
The Lord listens (v. 6)
He saves from all of our troubles (v. 6)
He provides angels as our guards (v. 7)
He surrounds and defends us (v. 7)
He meets every need (v. 9)
We lack no good thing (v. 10)
What blessings are ours when we come to God in praise and give testimony to his greatness and love!
Calls for help
David wanted all who love God to know that when we are in need and ask for help, God hears us. Time and time again David experienced God’s rescue. But God has not retired from the rescue business. He is active today just as he was in the past. Our task is to call upon the name of the Lord so we might receive his help in every situation.
David knew what the early Christians also knew and what Jesus said would be true: “The righteous person faces many troubles.” We are not immune from difficulty. Because of our sin and the sins of others, life is filled with challenges, many of them large and some of them coming again and again.
But what David experienced is true for us as well: “The Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
Not sometimes, not every other time. Each time.
Maybe the best way to start today and every day is to take a big breath and declare God’s praise. And watch for his rescue. When it comes, make sure you give God glory and share your testimony with everyone around.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 34:1-10; 17-19 NLT
Photo by cottonbro studio at Pexels.com
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