Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
David, called a man after God’s own heart made a radical resolution, to bless the Lord at all times.
The Greek word to “bless” is eulogeo which means to “speak well of” or ‘‘praise.’’ The idea behind the words “I will bless the Lord” is speaking well about the goodness of the Lord, declaring His good works.
In the morning of joy, in the stillness of waiting, in the fire of testing and in the temptation to walk away, David’s resolve was to praise God. This was anchored in an abiding relationship with God, a heart fully surrendered and secure in God. He chose to stay in the presence of God declaring, “…. in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”. (Psalm 16:11)
This is a posture of a heart that understands its Source. It reminds us of Peter’s words in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” But before Peter spoke, Jesus asked a piercing question in John 6:67: “Do you also want to leave?” It was a moment of decision. Many had walked away, unable to accept the depth of Jesus’s teaching. But Peter had seen enough to know there is no other place to go. No other presence satisfies the soul. He is the fountain of living waters, the One who satisfies, even when the answers haven’t come. Those who stay rooted in Him will never thirst again, because their soul has found something deeper than provision, His presence.
I have heard an honest cry, “I have served God, I have waited, and yet He has not answered my prayers.” The ache of unanswered prayers can feel heavy. But this moment of tension is where our relationship with God is tested. Do we follow Him only for what He gives, or for who He is? What happens when all ‘‘your prayers’’ have been answered, then what? Do you keep asking for more? If your pursuit of God is driven by answered prayers, you’ve missed the essence of relationship with Him. The heart of it all is not in receiving, but in abiding, in true fellowship that remains, even when the answers haven’t come.
In John 6:26-27
²⁶Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.²⁷Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”
Amid it all, choose to stay. Let your heart be anchored not in outcomes, but in Him. Stay not for the miracle but for the Messiah. Stay because you love Him. Stay because He first loved you. Stay, not for what He gives, but for who He is. Stay in fellowship with the One who gave everything to be one with you. He made you to worship Him. He sent His only Son to reconcile you to Himself to bring you into constant fellowship. What a sacrifice. What a love. That alone is enough to fix your eyes on Him and praise Him continually.
Prophetic Utterance:
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Guiding text:
Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Colossians 3:1-2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.’’