Summer In the Psalms Week One: I WILL Wednesday Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1
One of the scripture’s most well-known “I WILLs” is Psalm 34:1. It was written from a cave when David was hiding from King Saul.
When Saul sought to take his life, David went to the Philistine city of Gath but found no refuge and escaped by pretending to be insane (read more in 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1). After that, David went to the cave at Adullam. About 400 desperate, distressed, in debt, and discontented men joined him in that cave.
Not only did they join David, but they came under his leadership and care. This cave was not the ideal circumstance, but from what should have been a dismal situation came a beautiful song of praise.
The entire Psalm is filled with admonishments, as David gives his followers encouragement when he himself could have used encouragement.
“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord” (v. 2)
“Oh magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt his name together” (v. 3)
“Taste and see that the Lord Is good” (v.8)
“Fear the Lord you holy people” (v.9)
When he could have withdrawn in despair; when he could have sulked or quit; instead, David only uttered what would be an encouragement to others and himself. He spoke praise continually.
It is difficult to praise and complain at the same time. Near impossible! Complaining keeps you focused on yourself in a place of self-pity. Praise will lift you out of that pit! Choose praise! Praise continually.
It is interesting to note that this Psalm was written like an acrostic poem in Hebrew. Each line starts with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. This was a feature used to help the people remember and rehearse these truths over and over. David wanted them (and us) to remember this situation-changing strategy: Praise the Lord at all times. Don’t let your circumstances change you. Keep a praise on your lips and watch God move.
Can a beautiful song of praise rise from your challenging situation? Can you raise a hallelujah in the presence of your enemies? Will you lift praise to our God when you feel pressed on every side? Can you let praise rise from within you so you can be lifted up?
Whatever your situation is today, choose praise, and praise continually!
On this first I Will Wednesday of July, Make this powerful declaration, “I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Your Friend in the Journey,
Erica
Remember, the Word WORKS. We are walking in wholeness, obedience, righteousness, and kingdom success through the Word of God!