Praise God Continually!

Thank you for reading our post today. We pray that the Lord will use His Words and our words to enable you to live the life He has planned and purposed for you more fully. Eric

We are encouraged in the Scriptures to praise God, not only at all times, but also continually.

When David was fleeing from King Saul, he went to a Philistine city (enemy territory) where he was recognized. In order to escape from King Acish, he had to feign insanity. His play worked and the Philistine King drove him away. It was shortly after this intense experience that David wrote Psalm 34.

We are going to begin our study today by looking at some of what David wrote, realizing that David is telling us that no matter how bad things may become, we need to keep praise to God in our mouth. Psalm 34:1-3, "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!" In verse 1, 'bless' barak in the Hebrew means to adore on bended knee. The phrase 'at all times,' for David "reflected a deep unwavering devotion. It emphasizes the importance of continual worship and gratitude, regardless of circumstances." (Bible Hub Study Bible). 'Praise,' tehilla, means a song of praise or singing spontaneous praise to God. I believe singing is the easiest way to proclaim our praise to God. It is something we can do as we undertake our duties of the day. 'Continually’ comes from a root word meaning: "constantly, always, evermore, perpetually, to stretch out to eternity, and to expand forever. It indicates a lifestyle of worship that permeates every aspect of life." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

We can realize this was obviously true with David as we recognize the circumstances he had faced just previously to writing this passage. In verse 2, the Hebrew word for 'boast' is halal, which means to praise, to boast, to celebrate, to glory, to rave or to be clamorously foolish. In verse 3, 'magnify' means to enlarge. Here it is used regarding "enlarging God's reputation and expanding your view of God's glory or making God's greatness more apparent. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and majesty." (Bible Hub Study Bible). 'Exalt' conveys to lift up or extol. In this verse, it indicates "lifting God's name high in honor and reverence. It is worship that recognizes His holiness, power or faithfulness." (Bible Hub Study Bible). I would ask you to read Psalm 34:1-3 again while keeping the added insight we gained from reading these Hebrew meanings!

Psalm 44:8 reads, "In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever." Again, we see, ‘boast ( halal , to celebrate, rave), all day long’ and ‘we will praise forever!’

We are encouraged to 'sing to Him a new song' with a shout of joy in Psalm 33:3.

Wonderfully, in Psalm 40:3, we read, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him." The Lord divinely intervenes, transforms and renews us. "In biblical context, a 'new song' often represents a fresh expression of worship and gratitude, reflecting a personal experience of God's deliverance or blessing.” (Bible Hub Study Bible), Then, because of this experience we have with the Lord, others will witness God's transformative work in our lives, which can lead to reverence and awe in others toward God. That can lead them to put their trust in the Lord also. Hallelujah! When we become worshipers, or those who praise God continually, it can produce the tremendous result of helping others see the power and ministration of the Lord and lead them to a personal relationship with Christ!

'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.'

We need to understand that when we become a believer, we all need that divine intervention which transforms and renews us. Before we become a believer, our heart is full of those things which do not honor, praise and worship God. It is vital that as believers, we separate ourselves from the ways of the world which we lived in previously and become that new creation we read about in 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we are 'in Christ' we have been translated into the kingdom of light from the kingdom of darkness. ‘The old is passed away and the new has come.’ The Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart (inner man). So, it is important that the process of having a changed heart and mind takes place. We need to empty our hearts and minds of our worldly ways, thoughts and desires and replace them with truth which comes from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Jesus basically stated that moral and ethical behaviors which originate from within a person is what defiles him. Man's heart is evil, therefore we the need the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Colossians 3:2 reveals we need to set our mind on things above, not on earthly things.

Psalm 119:11 lets us know that we are to hide the Word of God in our heart so that we might not sin against God.

As you fill your mind and heart with the wonderful words of life that fills His Word and begin to give Him the praise, adoration and worship He alone deserves, He will move mightily in your life and you will praise Him all the more.

thefreedictionary.com defines 'praise' as "an expression of approval, commendation or admiration for someone or something." Praise is also a form or worship or homage to God.

"It is not left to our own portion whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God's most righteous due and every Christian as the recipient of His grace is bound to praise God from day to day." (Charles Spurgeon)

We praise and worship God because of Who He is!

Psalm 48:1a reads, "Great (marvelous, mighty) is the Lord and greatly to be praised." This verse of Scripture "declares the incomparable greatness of Yahweh. His greatness (a foundational truth in Scripture), refers to His unmatched power and authority over creation and history." (Bible Hub Study Bible). Our appropriate human reaction to His divine majesty and worthiness is to 'praise Him greatly.’

We also praise ad worship God for the things He has done. In 1971, Andre Crouch wrote, "My Tribute," a dynamic gospel song that resonated in believer's hearts. "How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things You have done….."

What are some of those things which speak loudly to us concerning the continued outpouring of His grace upon His children?

God:

Created all things. (Ephesians 3:9)

Sustains all things by the power of His Word. (Hebrews 1:3)

Redeemed us. (Isaiah 47:4)

Loves us unfailingly. (Psalm 117:2, BSB)

Delivers us from all our troubles. (Psalm 54:7).

Protects the way of His faithful ones. (Proverbs 2:8)

Blesses those who are humble. (Matthew 5:5)

Bestows every good and perfect gift. (James 1:17)

Never changes, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8)

Meets all of our needs. (Philippians 4:19)

The list could go on and on... What a mighty God we serve!

I realize that everyone of us will go through difficult times and may not 'feel' like praising. However, that is why we need to praise all the more. Romans 5:3 reveals that we can rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance.

We will all go through times when we feel afraid. Let's read Psalm 56:3 and 4, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Here is the thing, "Faith can turn fear into trust. Each time you feel afraid, choose to trust in the Lord. Set your eyes on the Lord; He is greater than anything you fear." (Truth in Action, NSFLB).

Praise to God keeps our attention on Him instead of our troubles. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) teaches us, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." "Having your 'mind' stayed on Him is a mental and spiritual discipline, reflecting a heart that is undivided and fully committed to God. Trust in God is the foundation for experiencing His peace. God is portrayed as a source of strength and security." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

Psalm 28:7 reveals, "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart rejoices and I give thanks to Him with my song." “The result of divine help and protection is joy - not merely emotional but a profound sense of well-being and gratitude." (Bible Hub Study Bible). Thanksgiving and praise are essential to worship in the Bible. Singing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs use music to honor God.

"Through Jesus we are to continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips that confess His name (Hebrews 13:15 BSB). "This 'sacrifice or praise' is a spiritual sacrifice we offer to Him." (Bible Hub Topical Lexicon).

"The expressed desire God has for human conduct is that we give thanks in every circumstance." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Bible Hub Study Bible).

We are reminded in 1 Peter 1:6 and 7 to rejoice though we are grieved for a time. Let's consider Paul. Paul's suffering for Christ included: abundant labor; stripes above measure; frequent imprisonments; being beaten by the Jews 5 times (39 stripes each time); beaten with rods 3 times, stoned once, being shipwrecked 3 times and spending a night and a day in the deep. He faced perils of waters, robbers, his own countrymen, from the Gentiles, in the cities, in the wilderness, at sea, among false brethren, in sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, cold, nakedness - plus! And yet, he instructed the Corinthians that our momentary light afflictions are outweighed by our eternal glory to come. (2 Corinthians 11:22-29 and 2 Corinthians 4:17).

We also find that in one of his letters to the Philippians, while he was in prison, he closed the letter with these words, "To our God and Father be glory forever and ever - Amen." 'Glory' in this verse refers to honor, praise and reverence due to God!

In all of Paul's hardships, he continued to faithfully honor, worship and praise God!

Suffering serves a divine purpose in the believer's life. It contributes to a process of transformation and growth. In fact, we are instructed to consider it pure 'joy' when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance which leads to our being mature. (James 1:2,3) This "joy is not based on circumstances but on the assurance of God's sovereignty and goodness. It is a deep-seated sense of well being rooted in faith." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

Through Scripture, we know how good God is to us and that He has a plan for our life.

I remember seeing my mother laying on her bed the night my father passed away. As she laid there, I heard her quoting Isaiah 61:3 (KJV). "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that they might be trees of righteousness the planting of the Lord that he might be glorified."

You can praise God, no matter your circumstances.

Whether you use Scripture or allow the Holy Spirit to praise through you - Praise and Worship God continually!

Once again, "It is not left to our own portion whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God's most righteous due and every Christian as the recipient of His grace is bound to praise God from day to day." (Charles Spurgeon).

Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture is taken from the New International Version.

BSB Berean Standard Bible

NSFLB New Spirit Filled Life Bible

ESV English Standard Version