This Day in History: 0000-08-08

August 8 – Psalms 34: 1-7

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His Name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles.
For the Angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.

Let’s take note of something in this passage I believe is very important: The order. Notice the praise and boasting in the Lord comes first. The psalmist has decided to tell of the Lord’s greatness and exalt His Name BEFORE he prayed to the Lord and was freed from all his fears.

How often is this our own order? When I examine my own heart, I’m afraid the answer makes me sad. Sure, there are plenty of times I’ve gotten it right… but there are far too many when I haven’t. Sadly, my faith is small. My focus is narrow.

But my God is huge. He is mighty and worthy of all praise.

Too often my eyes are so tightly fixed upon myself and my troubles, I can’t even see His majesty all around me! I have to widen my gaze. I have to choose worship. Always. No matter what shadow of shame threatens me with its darkness. No matter how my desperation brings terror to my heart.

May we all resolve together to stand in the face of those threats and lift our voices in praise! May His people rise as an army of worshipers boldly declaring the greatness of our God. May we glorify Him at ALL times. May we constantly speak His praises. May we boast in the Lord and take heart. May we exalt His name together! May we pray to Him and be freed from all our fears. May we look to Him for help and find ourselves radiant with joy. May we be saved from all our troubles. May the Angel of the Lord guard, surround, and defend us. For may we be men and women who fear Him alone!

Praise His righteous and holy Name forever!