The Humble Shall Hear
Read: Psalm 34: 1-3
This psalm is filled with praise which had been born out of great adversity. God had just saved David from murder when he wrote this. Most of us are not facing the possibility of murder, but we do have an enemy who’s trying to steal, kill and destroy all areas of our lives.
David starts out by saying he will bless the Lord at all times. The Hebrew word used here is barak which means to praise by kneeling. If you’re over the age of 25, you know it’s impossible to kneel “at all times.” So what did David mean by this? Living a life in the bowed down position of humility is the only way to continually bless the Lord. The meaning of humble in verse two of this psalm means afflicted. Afflictions make and keep us humble. So, through all the troubles of life, don’t let yourself get to the point where you don’t praise God!
Your praise begins with your will and comes from the overflowing cup of what God has done for you. On the contrary, God created Satan solely to praise Him. Satan was heaven’s praise and worship leader and minister of music. He didn’t have the free will to praise God out of adoration. Satan’s never suffered adversity. He’s never lost a child, had cancer, or lived in poverty. But God has suffered just as we do. He foreknew you (Romans 8:29) and He is with you in your afflictions. As you trust God through the troubles of life, He’s developing a praise within your soul. It will be the only thing you take into eternity with you when you leave this world!
We will all face aging, illness, loss, and pain. Only through the blood of Jesus can we withstand these struggles. We can easily see where we would’ve ended up if it had not been for the Lord! But this body and this world are temporary. So, while our days are short and full of trouble, opposition, trials and difficulties, we can stand because God’s power is within us!
In verse three of this Psalm, David invites us to magnify the Lord with him and to exalt His name. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men,” (John 12:32). If you want people to know what God has done for you, let yourself get wrapped, tied and tangled up in Jesus! The praise that will flow out of your life as a result will be like a neon sign to the oppressed, weary, lonely and sick. They will hear your praise and rejoice!
God bless y’all and remember: we’re saving you a seat at Community Family Church!
Pastor Tom