Psalm 34:1 – I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Notice David’s determination here. He says, “I will bless the Lord.” The word ‘bless’ means to confer happiness upon another. It’s amazing to think that you actually have the ability to bring happiness to the God of this universe. He truly does enjoy hearing your praise. Although you are the one who has been blessed by the Lord, you also have the ability to bless Him back. Salvation from sin is a gift of such tremendous value that it should draw continual thanks to the Lord from your lips. If you were to bless the Lord at all times, it could hardly be too much. If His praise were to be continually coming from your heart, you could never come close to exhausting the subject. When you are in trouble, do you feel discouraged and defeated? David did. He kept running, running, running, and it looked like it would never come to an end. He lost heart and was discouraged. He thought, “One of these days I will be killed.” Yet he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” We all find it easy to praise the Lord on a good sunshiny day and when things go right, but it is not so easy when things become difficult. Yet David could say, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Challenge:

Do you find yourself blessing the Lord all the time? Perhaps you find it difficult to bless Him because of what you are currently going through in your life? Blessing the Lord has absolutely nothing to do with your situation and everything to do with your relationship with God. David does not say he blesses The Lord when things are going his way or when his bills are all paid or when his business is profitable, or his kids are behaving properly. No, quite the opposite is what he is saying. Despite my circumstances and despite my wanting to do so or not, I WILL praise the Lord. Notice also, that praising God is a matter of your will. Your challenge this week is to purpose in your heart to bless God and praise Him for how He is working in and through your life. Not just in good times, not just in easy times, but in all times. If you try, you can always find good in every situation that you are facing. You simply have to recognize the good that is there. God bless you.