I will extol the Lord at all times;
Psalm 34:1-3 NIV
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.
I love these Psalms that express such wonderful praise to God. According to the title information, this psalm comes in response to a difficult and trying time in David’s life. And yet he came out of the experience with praise. Such a wonderful example for me.
David expressed that his praise to God was not just something that would last until the next distraction came along. Nor was it limited to those times he was at a place of worship. Rather, he would extol the Lord at all times. His praise for God would always be on his lips. You would not have to be around David very long before you heard him praising God.
And David was not content to praise God in isolation. Instead, he challenged others to join him in glorifying God. To join with him in exalting the name of the Lord. David worshiped God individually. But he also worshiped God corporately, joining together with others in their praise.
Why should we praise God? Because he is worthy of our praise. He is our creator, sustainer, redeemer, and God. Everything I am and have ultimately comes from him. No matter what I may go through in this life, I can know that he is with me. And he will see me through it,
Oh Lord, give me a heart that is filled with you. Lips that lift up your name in praise. And a spirit that will walk with you wherever and whenever I am.
