In a very troubling time in David’s life, he penned these words in Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
King David was gifted at playing musical instruments but that’s not what made him a worshipper or one that praised the Lord. But rather, he deeply loved and adored the Lord and that is what made him a worshipper and one that loved to praise.
David begins this verse by saying, “I will…” Sometimes we praise and worship God out of a sense of deep love, joy and thankfulness because of all that He has done in our lives. But what about those times when we don’t feel the closeness of the Lord? How are we to praise and worship the Lord in the difficult seasons of life when we are facing mounting bills, relationship issues or sickness in our bodies?
Praise is a choice. When you praise in the midst of problems, you are making a choice to yield your heart to God rather than to the fears, stress and anxiety of what you are up against in the moment. And when we do this—when we choose to praise Him despite all that is going on around us—it lifts our hearts in such a way that we are no longer focused on the issues at hand, but on Him. It’s “seeking first the kingdom of God” so all those things that we need will be given to us (Matt. 6:33).
I know that we don’t always feel like praising Him, “at all times”. Especially when our hearts are heavy with what we are facing in life. But I have to testify. There has NEVER been a time in my life, no matter what I was up against or how heavy or grieved my heart was, when I “chose” to praise and worship in the midst of my pain, I was ALWAYS able to breakthrough to a place of peace and joy on the inside. That does not mean that my circumstances changed—but my heart changed. My mind changed. My spirit was refreshed. I was no longer holding on to the anxiety, shame and fear. God moved in my heart because I moved God’s heart when I praised and worshipped Him in the midst of my trouble. He loves that.
Praise brings breakthrough!
This was one of the greatest secrets of David’s life. He continually blessed, worshipped and praised the Lord through every season of his life.
I want to encourage you today (no matter what you are facing) to begin your day with praise and worship. Tell Jesus how much you love and trust Him. Let Him hear you voice. Worship Him just for being who He is. He is wonderful, beautiful and worthy to be praised! Worship Him with His Word and as you go throughout your day say over and over, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
You are loved!