Let’s Begin (Psalm 34:1-3)

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

Over the next eight weeks, we will be memorizing Psalm 34. We might think of it as a heavenly summer feast prepared for the bride of Christ. There is a seat at this table reserved for everyone who belongs to Him. Feel the radiance of His glory on your face and be unashamed. Taste and see His goodness, drink in the fragrance of His beauty, listen to the music of His creation, and join in blessing the Lord at all times.

Bless the Lord

If you’re like me, you may be a little unsure what, exactly, this means and what it calls you to do. Most of us know that offering a blessing to others is a way to do them good and ask God’s favor for them. But how can we, mere finite mortals, bless Yahweh the eternal God? God does not need anything from us, yet He makes Himself known to us and invites us in. With newly opened eyes, our knowledge of Him will generate a soulful response. Webster’s dictionary defines blessing as a statement of divine favor such as a benediction. In Hebrew, the word for blessing is barak. In this context, it means to kneel in adoration. How do we bless the Lord? The psalm tells us:

We bless the Lord by:

• praising Him

• boasting in Him

• submitting to Him

• being glad in Him

• magnifying Him

• exalting His name with other believers

The Lord is the lover of our souls and our heart’s desire. He redeems the life of His servants. Let’s not shrink back from opening our mouths and expressing what He has already created in our hearts—blessing and glad praises to Him at all times. Let’s ask for His help to worship and exalt Him together in all circumstances. Whether in our homes, in our churches, as we work, or in our neighborhoods and cities, may the Lord fill us with zeal to bless Him.

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For Reflection

1. Read through Psalm 34 each day this week and take note of repetitions.

2. What are some ways you can bless the Lord this week?

3. Ask God to work in your soul the self-forgetting worship that blesses Him.