Praise

Psalm 34:1-3
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!

Dear people of God, how different our lives would be if we would follow David's example in Psalm 34:1-3! So often our focus is on ourselves and our circumstances. Sadly, our natural nearsightedness keeps us from recognizing and acknowledging the incomprehensible goodness and greatness of our LORD.

What would happen if we deliberately chose to praise Him in every circumstance whether good or bad? If we truly believe in God's Sovereignty this should be an easy choice to make! Furthermore, if we believe that God is good and loving then we should be able to praise Him at all times! His praise should always be on our lips!

Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Everything that happens in our lives passes through the hands of our Lord and He is working it out for our good and His glory. We may not enjoy or even understand what's happening in our lives, but we can always praise God because we know it's for our good! Folks don't listen to your feelings! Trust in God’s Word and give Him praise! It will change your outlook on life. I guarantee it.

I know someone who is enduring terminal cancer who would testify to the truth of these words. I know another who needs a heart transplant who would shout “Sure enough!” I know a third person who is facing Alzheimer’s who would also agree. Most of you know the folks I’m talking about. They are praising God in the midst of great adversity. His praise is always on their lips. Many lives are being touched by their faithful endurance as they rely on God’s enabling grace. I have personally heard each of them boast in the Lord in the midst of their suffering.

Father, I thank you for these three and their testimonies. Please continue to sustain them with your grace! Please continue to fill their mouths with your praise. Your power is perfected in weakness and your grace is sufficient for every circumstance. Help the rest of us to learn from their examples. Amen.