Day 12 - Bless the Lord

By Pastor Tim Escamilla

Psalm 34:1-4

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me

    and delivered me from all my fears.

David here shows us what's most important in our lives: blessing the Lord at all times. He also says His praise will continually be in his mouth. In case you've forgotten, not all of David's life was easy. He encountered problems, troubles, trials, and tests. Yet through it all, he blessed the Lord. Through it all, he praised his God continually!

This is the heart we need to have, also. A heart that decides, no matter what we are going through, we will bless and praise the Lord at all times. Paul knew this, as he blessed the Lord through beatings and stonings. John knew this, as he was being boiled. Peter knew this, as he wanted to be crucified upside down. Stephen knew this, as he looked up into heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 

Sometimes, things turn out exactly or better than we would have wanted. We bless and praise Him at that time. But also, there are times when things turn out badly, and we wish we could've changed things. We still bless and praise Him at that time! Blessing and praising Him is not dependent on how things turn out; they're dependent on Him and His worthiness. I remind you that no matter what, He is worthy of blessing and praise at all times! 

Here's what happens when this becomes habit in our lives: we seek Him, He answers, and He delivers us from all our fears! Look at verse 4; that's exactly what it says! Take some time now to bless the Lord. Let your heart unfold before His throne; share with Him all the reasons why you bless Him and praise Him. Our hope is that we would do this at all times. 

Pray with me:

"Lord, I bless You for who You are! I bless You in Your goodness, majesty, and power. I praise You as Lord of all! Help me so that no matter what I face, I will bless You. No matter what I go through, I will praise You. You alone are worthy at all times. Lord, hear my cry, answer me, and deliver me from all my fears. Thank You; I ask all of this in Jesus' name, amen."