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.
David wrote this psalm at a difficult time in his life, but here he teaches us that the praise of the Lord would always be on his lips – even in difficult times! But what struck me most about these verses is the fact that he wants the afflicted to hear and rejoice with him. Its yet another example of how the way we conduct ourselves affects other people. The fact that David could still praise the Lord in difficult circumstances would make an impact on others who were also going through similar circumstances. Many men and their families were on the run along with him and faced hardships for doing so. They would look to him for an example.
People who know that we are followers of God will often watch to see how we respond to hardship and difficulties and its not a very good witness to the undertaking of God if they see us feeling sorry for ourselves. That’s why its good for them to see us still with praise for the goodness of God on our lips, especially for others who may be going through similar trials. Hearing us praise the Lord could well be the encouragement they need to do the same. Then like David we can praise His name together.
Dear Lord,
I’m also reminded that Your word also tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. That’s another reason to give You praise in difficult times. Our praise will bring us the strength to cope. Thank You for the example set by David which still encourages us even today. Amen.