This pic is a Halloween throwback from several years ago!

Psalms 34

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 

Verse 1 says “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  

If I’m honest with myself, I must acknowledge that I am not conscious of God throughout the day. I have this God-conscious adrenaline surge in the morning during my devotions (which I thankfully crave when I awake) but then I go through the day mindful of MY activities and focused on MY desired accomplishments. This opening verse reminds me that I still need further spiritual maturity in order to live and breathe in the Spirit with a stream of consciousness that is soaked in the awareness of the presence of God. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. My activities and accomplishments are not usually anti-God or sinful, per se. But I am not “mindful” or actively conscious of God most of the time. Most of the time, I am simply pursuing my daily activities. Sometimes very diligent toward a goal and sometimes very passive or relaxing. But, oh to be more mindful of God always. 

I do want to encourage you though, in my progress. Since I have significantly re-committed my life about three years ago to begin each day with God in His Word, praying, reflecting and writing…I have much more often realized during the day the presence of God. The reality of His presence with me and the work He is doing in my mind and soul have increased. It is good. It is delightful progress. So be encouraged in your progress as well. The Psalmist, David, says, 

“I will bless the Lord at ALL TIMES; His praise shall CONTINUALLY be in my mouth”.  

To carry this theme further, this psalm conveys the sense of not just “thinking” about God always, but “speaking” about God always.  

“I will bless” and “His praise shall continually be in my MOUTH”. Also, “O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” 

When we dwell upon the beauty and grace of our God toward us, it is natural for us to want to share our praise of God with others.  

Chew on this: 

A helpful and simple way to apply this Psalm to your life is to seek out fellow Christians throughout the day and speak simple phrases of praise and gratitude toward God. Make it a habit to speak to others and say: 

• God is good toward me today. I’m having some difficulties, but I sense His power and grace. 
• Are you sensing the presence of God today? I am especially aware of Him today and it makes a huge difference. 

• I’m feeling really grateful toward God today. How are you feeling? 
• I just wanted to let you know that God placed you on my heart today. I’m praying for you. 

Keep it simple and keep it humble. When we do this, we are keeping ourselves accountable to be close to God in our own minds and hearts throughout the day as well as bringing others with us toward Him. This is your personal, spiritual service of worship, (Romans 12:1). You are both worshiping your Lord throughout the day as well as serving others by bringing them along with you to worship. Amen!