Psalm 34: Verses 2-3
I will boast only in the LORD;
Let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness;
Let us exalt his name together. (NLT Translation)
I will glory in the Lord;
Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
Let us exalt his name together. (NIV Anglicised)
Both of these translations can teach us something important about the benefits of praising God, particularly when we feel helpless, or as the NIV Anglicised version puts it, we are afflicted. David’s advice is very important; we should take heart and praise God.
When we feel down and depressed it is easy for us to turn away from God, but in such circumstances that’s the worst thing we can do. By praising God, even if it’s the last thing we want to do, it can actually lift our spirits. And by boasting about what God has done, we end up counting our blessings. Thus we end up in a better place, even if the circumstances we find ourselves in remain unchanged.
Dear God,
Help me to remember the value of praise. You always deserve praise, but it also helps remind me of all my blessings, which are many, and takes the focus from my troubles. Help me to cultivate an attitude of praise, even if I don’t always feel like it. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.