Contagious Worship (Psalm 34:1-3)
- Dan Weller
- 6h
- 3 min read
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ²My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. ³Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! —Psalm 34:1-3
As David begins Psalm 34, he does more than merely pen the first verse to a worship song—he shows us something significant about the contagious nature of worship.
All the Time
David begins by telling us that worship doesn’t have an “off” switch. He says he will bless the Lord “at all times” and praise will be in his mouth “continually." His worship doesn't depend on his circumstances. Lest we forget, this isn’t glib talk from someone who’s never seen suffering. This is David, who experienced the constant stress of being hunted by Saul, the grief of losing his newborn child, and the betrayal by his son. Yet David’s worship didn't waver. How was that possible? Because his worship was based on the changeless certainty of God’s supremacy, not the changing circumstances of his situation.
The secret to “all-the-time” worship is having an “all-the-time” God. We can continually worship, because God is continually worthy and continually with us. He is good all the time.
What Makes Humble People Happy
David’s “all-the-time” praising of our “all-the-time” God falls on the ears of humble people in verse 2. As others overhear David’s worship, it makes them happy. But why? Why does hearing someone else boast in God make them happy? And what’s the connection to their humility?
The answer lies in the object of the boasting. When people boast about themselves, it’s extremely off-putting. But David isn't boasting about himself. He’s boasting about the greatness and goodness of his God. David's life is one loud, long, unbroken hallelujah. When the humble hear this hallelujah, David says it causes them to rejoice. These are people who know they are not the main point, they are not the subject of David's boasting—the Lord is! All of us enjoy hearing praise for whatever we think praiseworthy. The problem is that, in our pride, many of us believe we are that which is praiseworthy. The humble know better. They rejoice when they hear others boast about the infinitely praiseworthy God.
All Together
Now that David’s “all-the-time” worship has spilled over into the happiness of the humble, he invites them to join him in worshipping “all together” in verse 3. He says, "magnify the Lord with me." He wants them to join him in exalting God's name "together.” David’s worship is contagious.
When we continually point to the greatness of God, no matter our circumstances, other humble saints hear it and are strengthened and made happy by the reminder of His goodness. With the joy of their salvation restored, they will want to join in the “all-the-time” worship. This is contagious worship—constantly spreading from one humble, happy saint to another. When “all-the-time” worship from one saint meets the ears of another, the result is humble, happy worship all together.
For Reflection
What makes it hard to bless the Lord at all times? Ask God to focus your worship on His supremacy more than on your situation.
When you hear others boast in the Lord, does it make you glad? Why or why not? Rejoice this week as you hear the worship of others.
Who will you invite to worship with you this week? Ask God to cause your joy in Him to spill over into the lives of others.
Dan Weller is Lead Pastor of Chapelwood Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to Chapelwood, Dan served as a pastoral resident at College Park Church and graduated from Bethlehem Seminary. He also serves on the Board of Indianapolis Theological Seminary. Dan is married to Emily and they have two beautiful daughters.