Have you ever found yourself in a situation where everyone around you seemed to know exactly what to do, but you felt completely lost? That's how I felt at my first church lock-in as a preteen. I was there for the skee ball, but suddenly found myself surrounded by people singing about Jesus. Little did I know that this experience would be the beginning of a journey that would lead me to understand the power of praise and the rest it brings.
Today, we're diving into Psalm 34:1-3, a passage that gives us a beautiful framework for finding rest in Jesus through praise, boasting, and exalting. Let's explore how these three actions can transform our relationship with God and bring peace to our busy lives.
The Power of Praise: Choosing Jesus in Every Circumstance
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises." (Psalm 34:1)
David, the author of this psalm, wasn't writing from a place of comfort. He had just escaped a life-threatening situation, running from King Saul who wanted him dead. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, David chose to praise God.
This isn't about manifesting a feeling or waiting until everything is perfect. As one Christian music artist put it, "Praise is not about manifesting a feeling. It's about learning to rejoice in the Lord always." Our feelings can be deceptive, but God's character never changes. That's why we can praise Him in all circumstances.
Praising God is a choice we make, regardless of our situation. It's about acknowledging His goodness even when life feels anything but good. When we choose to praise, we're choosing to focus on Jesus rather than our problems.
Boasting in the Lord: Telling What Jesus Has Done
"I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart." (Psalm 34:2)
When was the last time you boasted about something? Maybe it was your favorite sports team winning a championship or your child's latest achievement. But have you ever considered boasting about what Jesus has done in your life?
I'm reminded of Crystal, my high school leader and hairstylist. Every time I sat in her chair, she would talk about what God was doing in her life. She wasn't preaching or condemning; she was simply sharing her experiences with God's grace.
Imagine if we approached our daily interactions with this mindset. When someone compliments your positive attitude, instead of just saying "thank you," what if you said, "Thanks, I find that my relationship with Jesus brings joy to my life"? This is what it means to boast in the Lord – to give Him credit for the good things in our lives.
Exalting His Name: Trusting Jesus Above All
"Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness. Let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:3)
In Kansas City, we know what it means to exalt someone. We've got shirts that say "In Mahomes We Trust," celebrating our star quarterback. But what if we applied that same level of trust and adoration to Jesus?
Exalting Jesus means putting Him at the center of our lives, trusting Him with everything. It's about recognizing that He is greater than any problem we face, any achievement we accomplish, or any fear we harbor.
For those who haven't yet experienced this relationship with Jesus, it might seem foreign or uncomfortable. But Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured the cross "because of the joy awaiting him." You are that joy. He delights in you and offers rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28).
Putting It Into Practice: Finding Rest in Praise
So how do we apply this framework of praise, boast, and exalt to find rest in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
1. Start your day with praise: Before checking your phone or turning on the news, take a moment to thank God for His goodness.
2. Look for opportunities to boast in the Lord: When something good happens, give God the credit in your conversations with others.
3. Exalt Jesus in your decision-making: Before making choices, big or small, ask yourself, "Am I trusting Jesus with this?"
4. Engage in corporate worship: Join with others in singing praises to God, whether in a church service or through a worship playlist at home.
5. Read through the Psalms: Use the reading plan provided to dive deeper into these ancient songs of praise and lament.
Remember, praising, boasting, and exalting Jesus isn't just about singing on Sundays. It's a lifestyle that aligns our hearts with God's, bringing rest to our souls in the process. As we journey through life, may we find peace in the rhythm of praise, knowing that the God we exalt is worthy of all our trust and adoration.