Friday, April 15, 2016

Friday April 15th: 1 Samuel 18:1-19:7; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-20:42 ~Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 1 Samuel 21, Psalm 34, 1 Samuel 22:1-2, Psalm 57, Psalm 142

Scripture:
"I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."  Psalm 34:1

Observation:
David praised God for His deliverance and answer to prayer and he was committed to continual praise of the Lord for how God protected him in his times of fear.  David was dependent on God, and not dependent on himself.  He gave all the glory to God and took none for himself.  David's prayers helped to silence his fears and he felt comfort and relief in knowing that God heard his concerns. 

Application:
If we are hoping to spend eternity with God and praising Him, it only makes sense to spend our time here on earth doing the same.  The verse does not say that we will bless the Lord in the good times only, but at all times.  In every situation that we face; in every event that occurs.  Whether we are experiencing joy or sorrow, safety or danger, prosperity or adversity, the idea is that we would bless the Lord privately and publicly.  Our thanks should be unceasing; constantly uttering His praises.  The words coming out from our mouth should reflect the glory of God.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray that I would bless you every chance that I can.  I want to praise you at all times, in every situation, under every circumstance.  Whether it's before, during, or after the trials, I want to praise you with my lips.  I will be thankful for your mercies, and will express my sense of your goodness.  Thank you for David and the example that he has shown to me in how I can put this verse into action and apply it to my life.  You are truly worthy of our praise!  Amen.   


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Chronicles 12:8-18, 1 Samuel 22:3-23, Psalm 52, 1 Samuel 23, Psalm 54

2 comments:

Nathan said...

I find often in Psalms, when David is speaking, he starts of by saying what he is fearing and how terrible things are at that time. He then will shift to praising God and by the end of the chapter or reading he will seem over joyed in praise and thankfulness to God for all the good He has done.

This is a great template for us to follow both when things aren't going well or are. Laying our fears at His feet and then going on to praise Him and give thanks for all He has done for us. Giving praise to Him will put us in a better frame of mind.

Tammy said...

When we realize that we bless God, or praise Him, because of who He is, not what He can do for us, this idea makes more sense. God's character does not change when our circumstances do.