Psalms 34:1-22

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

A devout hymn

I. an exemplification of true praise.

1. It is thorough.

(1) There is no praise without concentration of soul.

(2) Distracting forces are rife.

2. It is constant.

(1) In every department of action--intellectual, artistic, commercial, political.

(2) In every circumstance of life--sorrow, joy, adversity, prosperity, bereavement, friendship.

3. It is exultant. God is the sum total of all excellence, the primal fount of all joy; therefore let us boast in Him.

4. It is social. The true worshipper becomes magnetic; he draws others to the shrine before which he falls.

II. A reason for true praise.

1. Past deliverance (Psalms 34:4).

(1) He had been “delivered out of all his troubles.” His troubles were great in their variety, number, but he was delivered.

(2) He had been delivered out of all his troubles by prayer. “I sought the Lord,” etc.

2. Constant protection (Psalms 34:7). (Homilist.)

Blessing the Lord

I. A resolution to bless the Lord, or to thank the Lord.

1. The things for which we ought to bless or thank the Lord: temporal; spiritual; personal; family; national; and Christian.

2. Whom we are to bless: “the Lord,” the Giver of all; no mercy, except from Him; gives freely; bounteously, always.

3. When we are to bless the Lord:--“at all times.”

II. A resolution to praise the Lord.

1. This is a resolution which Nature even approves. “All Thy works praise Thee, O Lord.”

2. A resolution which reason sustains.

3. A resolution which Scripture examples encourage.

4. A resolution which is in analogy with the customs of social life.

5. A resolution which accords with our obligation.

6. A resolution which harmonizes with the employment of the heavenly inhabitants.

7. A resolution which, if carried out, will contribute much to life’s happiness, and promote the glory of God in our spheres of action. (J. Bate.)