Praise at all times
I expect we’re all used to algorithms at work behind the scenes, suggesting content and products that might be relevant. My guess is that if our Bibles had algorithms, Psalm 34 would be at the top of many people’s suggested readings right now. It’s a go to psalm for anyone in distress and from what I see and hear, there’s plenty of that going around.
In Psalm 34, David proclaims, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (Ps 34:1). He goes on to testify that “The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18).
The intriguing thing about Psalm 34 is its origin. It’s thought that David wrote it while fleeing for his life from Saul and hiding among the Philistines. Yes, you read that right. The Philistines. They were no doubt wary of David who had recently killed their hero Goliath and so he pretended to be insane. It’s hard to imagine the distress David felt, and yet in that place he pens Psalm 34.
David writes this Psalm not in spite of his distress but because of it. David could write about God being near to the broken-hearted precisely because he was broken-hearted and had found God there. It means that while distressing circumstances are never good, God can use them to reveal something about himself that you wouldn’t be able to see at another time.
It’s why David could extol the Lord at all times. He had learned to find reasons to praise while the storm was still raging. This is profound. We often think of testimonies being shared when God answers prayer. But here David shows that there is a testimony to be shared of the goodness of God even when our prayers seem to go unanswered.
It’s why I often encourage people going through trouble to keep a journal of what they're learning about God and what they’re seeing him do. It’s a way of helping us find reasons to praise at all times, not just when things are as we want them to be. But I’d also encourage you to not wait for deliverance before you’re willing to share what you’re praising God for. It will raise the faith of those around you and be a powerful testimony to the people in our world who do not know the Lord. May his praise always be on our lips.
Much love,
Simon
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