In verse 1, we read, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” The words that roll around in my mouth are not always words of praise. Instead, there are often words of complaint, words of criticism, or words of judgment.
To continually praise God does not mean we pretend everything is rainbows and butterflies. Instead, it means we view the tough stuff through the lens of God’s care, provision, and presence. We ask ourselves, “Where can God be seen in this?” We offer thanks and praise for God’s redemptive work in difficult times, for abundant blessing in the best of times, and for peaceful in-between times.
Today, make it a point to sing or listen to your favorite hymn of praise and reflect on all the ways God has answered you, delivered you, heard you, and given you refuge.