Psalm 34 verses 1-3 (NIV)
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34 verse 10 (NIV)
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
There were two things that jumped out at me today in these verses. David extols the afflicted to hear and rejoice with him – in other words, even in our affliction and trials, we are still expected to praise the Lord. It’s worth remembering that David is also talking from a place of experience. He’s not just saying the things that he knows to be right. He’s putting them into practice, and God expects us to do so too – even if it’s hard. We can see this by the words, “at all times.”
But in verse 10, David reminds us that even lions grow weak and hungry. In other words, those who rely purely on their own strength eventually come to an end of themselves. But those who make the choice to rely on God will be sustained by Him.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder from David. Help me in particular to remember the words, “at all times.” You are certainly worthy of praise at all times, especially for all You have done for me. Thank You. Amen.