Psalm 34:1-3 1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name ... together.
The book of Psalms is a book of Praise. The Hebrew word for Psalms literally means “Praises.” The ideas of praising the LORD “at all times” and “continually” are important to our worship. We are to praise God regardless of our circumstances. We can praise him in health or sickness, in poverty or riches, in good and in bad situations, in safety or in danger. As a matter of fact when we praise Him in every situation we are recognizing His sovereign work (as highest ruler) in our lives. Absolutely nothing happens to us that God is not aware of and will use for our ultimate good and His glory. As far as “continually” is concerned, there is never a time that praise of God is not appropriate. He is to be praised even in the face of disaster! Job did this even in the face of losing almost everything he had!
What a marvelous thing it is to think of “Magnifying the LORD.” To magnify him means “to lift up His Name as most glorious” and especially in the presence of others. You will notice the writer calling on others to Magnify the LORD...together with him! Worshipping God with others as well as alone is important. That is why we go to church. I especially love songs that exalt the LORD by the Names given for him in scripture and with the words that describe His character and actions. You can notice these as you read through the Psalms.
In the New Testament we learn that singing Psalms is an expected part of our worship. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16 and see Ephesians 5:19. It excites me to see them read in every service though I would never be upset with those who disagree with me on this. I just pray they would learn to love the Psalms for themselves.
The book of Psalms was written by many authors but David, King of Israel, wrote 74 for sure and possibly others.* Regardless of the human authors, God in His providence has gathered these 150 Psalms together for our guide to worship and praise. They should be read regularly. I suggest that we begin with at least one Psalm each day. In addition, Read one section of Psalm 119 each Sunday and you will learn to love the Word of God. Using this method will allow us to read through the book twice each year. As this method is practiced the reader will develop a natural understanding that particular Psalms seem to fit particular situations and there will be a natural turning to them for aid in times of need. Some Psalms appear to be especially suited to congregational worship as well as for individual worship. Pay attention to this and maybe you will begin to read these on Sundays as well. O Magnify the LORD with me!
The book of Psalms is a book of Praise. The Hebrew word for Psalms literally means “Praises.” The ideas of praising the LORD “at all times” and “continually” are important to our worship. We are to praise God regardless of our circumstances. We can praise him in health or sickness, in poverty or riches, in good and in bad situations, in safety or in danger. As a matter of fact when we praise Him in every situation we are recognizing His sovereign work (as highest ruler) in our lives. Absolutely nothing happens to us that God is not aware of and will use for our ultimate good and His glory. As far as “continually” is concerned, there is never a time that praise of God is not appropriate. He is to be praised even in the face of disaster! Job did this even in the face of losing almost everything he had!
What a marvelous thing it is to think of “Magnifying the LORD.” To magnify him means “to lift up His Name as most glorious” and especially in the presence of others. You will notice the writer calling on others to Magnify the LORD...together with him! Worshipping God with others as well as alone is important. That is why we go to church. I especially love songs that exalt the LORD by the Names given for him in scripture and with the words that describe His character and actions. You can notice these as you read through the Psalms.
In the New Testament we learn that singing Psalms is an expected part of our worship. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16 and see Ephesians 5:19. It excites me to see them read in every service though I would never be upset with those who disagree with me on this. I just pray they would learn to love the Psalms for themselves.
The book of Psalms was written by many authors but David, King of Israel, wrote 74 for sure and possibly others.* Regardless of the human authors, God in His providence has gathered these 150 Psalms together for our guide to worship and praise. They should be read regularly. I suggest that we begin with at least one Psalm each day. In addition, Read one section of Psalm 119 each Sunday and you will learn to love the Word of God. Using this method will allow us to read through the book twice each year. As this method is practiced the reader will develop a natural understanding that particular Psalms seem to fit particular situations and there will be a natural turning to them for aid in times of need. Some Psalms appear to be especially suited to congregational worship as well as for individual worship. Pay attention to this and maybe you will begin to read these on Sundays as well. O Magnify the LORD with me!
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