2 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 34 Romans 2
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1-3)
“All times,” is not a thought that comes to my mind on my rough days. On the days when things seem to be flowing my way, it is almost a “no brainer” to praise the Lord. Yet, the day I feel things are falling apart and I can’t see any end in sight my praise of the Lord may waiver.
David, he has an instructive view in this Psalm about praise. He would praise the Lord not due to his situation, but due to his God. Even when the situation wasn’t good, God remained good. Even when obstacles abounded, he would speak praise constantly of God. Notice the word “only” in verse 2. David would not give any credit (boasting) to himself and he would not highlight his situation over his God. He would praise God in his situation as God was over his situation.
You know what, let me shut up and let David tell you:
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:19-22)
