Declaration Of Praise
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:1-3
At the time David wrote this Psalm he was in one of the most desperate moments of his life. Not only did the promises of the Lord not appear to be coming to pass, but he was quite literally running for his life! He was in such a desperate time that he was finding refuge living with the mortal enemies of Israel, the Philistines. As he was dwelling with them he finds that he is expected to join with the Philistines and fight against Israel, God’s people, his own people. David was in a seemingly hopeless situation. What could he do? What would we do in that same position? You have probably found yourself in such situations in life that appear equally hopeless. If we are clever we will follow the successful example of David. In verse one above he shows us exactly what to do through his response to the situation. He praises the Lord in that desperate moment.
Notice that when you read that verse, David is speaking this in a decisive tone. It is a decision he has made to praise the Lord, as he says “I will”. Faced with a hopeless situation David does not allow his emotions to dictate his direction. Instead, he chooses to put into action what he has learned, the power of praise to the Lord. David makes a declaration to praise the Lord “at all times”, even when things appear contrary to the promises.
Then notice that David does not leave it at that. He invites you to join him in this declaration of praise, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together”. 3,000 years ago David invited you to join him in praise to the Lord because he understood that praise magnifies the Lord. What does that mean? Well, what happens when you look at something through a magnifying glass? It brings what you are looking at closer to you. When you praise the Lord in times of trouble it brings His promises and peace closer so you can see and believe which serves to strengthen your faith.
Are you feeling desperate today? Act on the wisdom of a man after God’s own heart and make a declaration to praise Jesus through the trial of the moment. Take up the invitation of David to exalt the name of the Lord just as David did unto your deliverance and the glory of Jesus!
J Todd Hostetler