The choice to praise Him, regardless

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1)

“I will…” – the choice

“… bless the LORD …” – the action

“… at all times …” – the duration

“His praise …” – that which belongs to Him

“… shall continually be …” – an ongoing process

“…  in my mouth …” –  spoken, audible

As I mused on this verse, I thought of Jesus' words to the Pharisees, on one occasion,“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life,” He admonishes also, in Proverbs 4:23. 

His words inform me that the content of my heart is critical.  Whatever I have in abundance there will determine what comes out of my mouth, especially in the unguarded moments, and in times of duress.

What, then, must I have in my heart in abundance in order for me to bless Him at all times? For His praise to be continually in my mouth, regardless of my circumstances and my confusion and the fight to keep standing? 

The words of Psalm 71:7, “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high,” suggest that a settled, seeped-into-every-corner-of-my heart-knowledge of His character,would be a necessary component. The unwavering belief that He is good. That He is for me and not against me or out to get me. That He has His hands and eyes on me and both are grace filled. That He is full of compassion, plenteous in mercy, and rich love. That His love for me is eternal and unchanging and unconditional. That He really has purposed good for me. 

Another component could be the decision, even if it is one that I must make every day or every minute, when necessary, to believe what He says over my own thoughts, perception, doubt, and that of anyone else. Period.

Matt Redman's song, "Blessed be Your Name," has become an anthem for me, and a stirring reminder to bless and praise Him, regardless.  

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name


You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name