Psalm 34:1-3 I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

Every verse in this Psalm is worthy of a song or a sermon or both! The circumstances of it being written are also interesting, when the Lord prompted David to feign insanity so that he would be released from a very dangerous situation. David recognized that God had inspired him, and he gave God the credit. Our natural impulse would be to think, and say, “Wasn’t I clever?” David didn’t do that, but gave God all the credit. That’s one of many reasons this Psalm is such a blessing. God very seldom does things with only a singular purpose. He’s the ultimate multitasker, accomplishing many things at one time with a single action! That’s why there’s no limit to the study of the Bible: everything in it can teach us multiple things. We do well to ask God to open our eyes to grasp more of what He is doing, even in the seemingly simple events of our lives. After all, we have no idea what tragedies He didn’t allow to take place! For that matter, it has been shown mathematically that if any of the multiple laws of physics were to be changed by the smallest fraction, the universe would cease to exist! Scientists who deny the existence of a Creator don’t know their science! An honest, objective examination of all the facts should lead us to an ever-increasing amazement at the wisdom, grace, and love of our Creator, and that should lead us to the sort of exhortation that David gives here. The more we truly know of God, the more we want to encourage others to know Him too. He is more than worthy of all our love, praise and obedience, just as David proclaims through this Psalm.

I have long recognized that I don’t have the specific “gift of evangelism,” but the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I want other people to walk with Him too. There are some specific individuals I’m interacting with at this point, but I would love to have a “Holy Spirit fire hose” to douse everyone I encounter! I can’t tell God how to operate, and it is silly to try. All I can do is seek to hear and obey God each moment, allowing Him to work through me to touch people in His way on His schedule. Yesterday we attended a special service to honor a couple who have been in faithful ministry for over 50 years, and Cathy and I sang God Will Make a Way, by Don Moen, in English and Japanese. Some people were moved to tears, which I had not expected. I just knew that was what we were supposed to sing! I don’t know who all I will encounter today, but I want to be God’s instrument to them, whatever the circumstances. God is good and wonderful beyond any words to express it, and I want to be totally available to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for David’s faithfulness. May I be no less faithful, so that my words too may be a blessing, drawing people to You, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!