“I will bless the Lord at all times…” (Psalm 34:1a NASB)
Can I have a word with you before you head off to worship? Thank you for shaking your head in the affirmative, granting me your permission!
In your lifetime you have made promises and vows. You have expressed words that indicated certainty as it related to being committed to a relationship. You have given your word, declared to discharge a duty faithfully, and probably even said, “My word is my bond,” so others could believe your words. We, you included, have joined in the congregation songs that expressed with a sense of sureness that we were going to trust in the Lord. Oh, I’m just guessing that perhaps you have taken ownership of David’s words and said, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” As we preachers say, “Ain’t I right about it?”
Well let’s do a quick inventory in regards to the last example related to giving our word to “bless the Lord at all times.” Here is a quick check list. In your mind, place a check by each statement that describes your behavior. When you finish this Sunday morning inventory, revisit your words and renew your commitment to bless the Lord at all times.
I bless Him for every time He has sustained me, knowing that this will strengthen me when times get tough again.
I bless Him during the times when unexpected struggles come up, bringing with it stress and anxiety because I know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
I bless Him during times of gain and times of grief, realizing that joy will come in the morning.
I bless Him in the sanctuary and in my lonely hours, for the Lord will never leave me or forsake me.
I bless Him in the times that I’m tempted, knowing He will show me the way out
I bless Him in the times when I have to wait patiently for Him; resting in the Lord.
I bless Him in the worst of times, realizing that my story is still unfolding.
I bless Him today and every day that He blesses me to see.
I bless Him in times when I’m sinking low because I know He can lift me up; help me gain new strength, mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not get weary.
I bless Him for His goodness and mercy that are following me, not just on good days, but all the days of my life!
I bless Him at all the chronological times of my life, for I can be like David: “I’ve been young and now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.”
I bless Him in those times when I am in a storm or when I come out of a storm.
I bless Him whether I have everything and don’t have any reason to complain.
I better let you go! It’s Sunday! But let me ask you a couple of questions. Your answers can be added to the inventory above. Are you going to bless the Lord today? Are you blessing Him right now? Be blessed!
“For You are my hope; Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. I have leaned on you since my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; my praise is continually of You.” (Psalm 71:5-6 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King