Psalm 34:1

Despite the fact that David eagerly invites a whole entourage of worshippers to come join him in giving praise to the Almighty, it is incontestable that this Psalm is personal. It is different, I think, often more intense, when things are personal. Let us never forget that regardless to how many may join the chorus or celebration of praise, it must always remain deeply personal for us. When coming to spiritual things we can never hide behind the group or the crowd. When the woman who had the issue of blood was finally delivered, Jesus made her come out of the obscurity of the crowd to personally tell her story (Mark 5:31). No one can tell your story and give God praise like you. My/your personal, individual praise is important!

It always blesses me how intent David was in expressing and registering his praise. Even when he rises to prominence and becomes King of all Israel, personal praise-giving remains a fundamental part of his very colorful life. Before anything else, in spite of all the vicissitudes of his life, David forever primarily sees himself as praise giver – a recipient of God’s grace, a beneficiary of God’s magnificent kindness.

Here, David is proactively fleeing from King Saul and has survived an encounter with Achish, King of Gath by pretending to be mad (1 Samuel 21). As he narrowly escapes and faces the worst trials of life – being chased and hunted down like a vagabond, being exiled from his home, wrongfully accused and persecuted – David resolutely blurts out – “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). Things are bad, but he sees them not as cause for despair, but as opportunities to give God even more praise. We are never helpless against the tides of life, not with the Almighty! May every instance of deliverance cause praise of Him to be heightened and magnified. “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

The Message Bible paraphrases this Scripture most eloquently. It graphically states “I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. God met me more than halfway; he freed me from my anxious fears.” In one of the climactic sentences of this Psalm, David reminds us that “those who look to the Lord are never let down or disappointed (v5). He, the Almighty, causes us never to be ashamed.

Sometimes, it is so easy to become lost, swallowed up, hidden in the crowd, but may the significance of your individual praise never be lost. While the masses are commanded to acknowledge Him and praise Him together with us, please may you always remember that the Almighty sees, hears and knows us individually. Your praise is seen, heard, noticed and recognized by Him. Your praise matters! It is deeply personal! We personally give Him praise. “I will bless the Lord at all times!” Yes, it is personal!

Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region

November 11th, 2023