Shine In The Dark

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”
 

Psalm 34:1-3


In Psalm 34 David maps out (not intentionally but experientially) a clear pathway by which every child of God should approach the day, any day mind you. Not just because we are in a good mood or as the oldie but goodie declares, "and everything is going my way". No matter what the circumstances of our lives, the call is to praise. In Psalm 34 David appears to be in dire straights yet he remains steadfast in his devotion to the Lord.

Psalm 34 is one of my favorite Psalms in the entire bible as it has been quickened to my own heart on more than one occasion when going through what seem to be my own darkest hour. Is the call of my life or yours a call to worry or a call to worship? I have had to decide more than once in my life and I imagine you have had to as well. David’s words here have served as my own prayer many times and become the declaration of my own mouth when my circumstances would dictate otherwise. I encourage you to make the words of this Psalm your words too. The blessings are bountiful for sure!

The last two years due to the Corona Virus have confronted us all with the choice to worry or worship, to doubt or devotion. The Bible is clear we are to remain in and out of season as believers prepared to testify of the goodness of our God. That's the key, its always the key, no matter what we are going through we keep in mind that God is good. Psalm 20:7 reminds us “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God”. From the very depth of David’s soul he boasts in the Lord and its obvious David’s devotion is more than just skin deep. No one could ever accuse David of being just a, "Sunday" or once a week believer. His love for God comes from the very core of his being and he lives to sing His praises…at all times. It was Jesus who said, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men to myself” and David proves that it is true in his life. The humble do listen, they will listen, and they will respond to the Lord's leading just as David did himself.

David’s life is a testimony that when we “will “ to worship the Lord our burdens are lifted and the pressures of life are replaced by peace, gloom by gladness. If you are under pressure today and it seems as if life is crashing down upon you let me encourage you to seek the Lord and to cry out to Him. God is listening and He is ready to respond to the cries of our heart. Notice what verses 4-7 say, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Wow, what wonderful promises God makes to them that love the Lord! Knowing this makes us want to, "ask, seek and knock" with anticipation.
 
Keep reading Psalm 34 and I am sure your heart will be strengthened to know… “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” It’s true, friend, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” Put your hope in God, friend, and you will not be disappointed! Don't take my word for it, take His!

 
“The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.”
 

Psalm 34:22

I LOVE YOU!