Psalm 34 - 12.18.23
Scripture
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise will always be on my lips.
Observation-What does it say?
David was a fugitive on the run from Saul and he fled to Achish King of Gath, in hopes of finding refuge. However, because of something Achish’s servants said that King David took to heart, he pretended to be insane, was kicked out and on the run again. The place he escaped to was the cave of Adullam. It was in this cave where commentators say that King David wrote this Psalm, while in hiding and on the run from Saul. (References: David Guzuk commentary from Enduringword.com AND 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1)
Even in hiding and the least ideal of circumstances, King David still praised the Lord!
Imagine with me for a moment being in King David’s shoes and having no place to call home here on earth because you are on the run for your life! Even the place you were hoping to find refuge turned out to be unsafe for you. However, because King David had his full hope and trust in the Lord, he was still able to praise Him in the midst of the least ideal of circumstances.
Application-How can I apply this to my life?
I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise will always be on my lips. (Verse 1)
We are not called to only praise the Lord when things are going well in life. We must praise Him even through the hardships, just like King David did. Even through grief, pain, and uncertainty in life, we must know and trust that His character is ALWAYS good and never stop worshipping Him! The Apostle Paul was the same way. Even when imprisoned, He still found joy through it all (see the book of Philippians). Let’s be like these men!
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for King David, the Apostle Paul and the other examples of awesome people of the faith in Your Word, who praised You in the midst of less than ideal circumstances. It encourages me to keep my focus and worship on You no matter what. I bless and honor You Lord for Who You are. May Your praise always be on my lips. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi