All Times

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Today’s psalm, appointed for All Saints, is a psalm of David. It was not written, however, during his time as king. It comes from a lower point in David’s life. On the run from Saul, he seeks refuge from King Achish of Gath (though the superscription to the psalm says it was Abimelech). David is recognized as a great warrior, which puts him in danger. So, he makes the levelheaded decision to pretend that he’s crazy. Scratching at the walls while spittle runs down his beard, he plays the part well. The king wants nothing to do with a lunatic and sends him away. Out of this event comes Psalm 34!

I will bless the Lord at all times. All times? Yes. Our lives are not always peaceful, easy, or without care. Dangers are ever present. And the world today could make you crazy. But God is good. Christ, in his living, dying, and rising, has given us all that we need. Forgiven and free, God’s praise should continually be in our mouths.

Yesterday in our Cornerstones Bible study, a number of people expressed anxiety about the upcoming election. I know how they feel! Speaking as much to myself as to anyone else, I said, “Whoever wins next week, the Lamb cannot be dislodged from the throne.” In this promise, I can bless the Lord at all times because I know we will live to bless the Lord for all time.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Lord, you deliver us from affliction and comfort us in our fear. Let us look to you, today and everyday, as our source of peace and joy in the midst of life’s challenges. Let us praise your name! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Our mouths may be masked, but they’re still praising the Lord!