Slideshow image

Let’s Just Praise the Lord

Text: Psalm 34:1–3

Over the last few days, our church has witnessed God moving in a mighty way. Through our ladies’ and men’s events, we were able to minister to large crowds of people. Many made decisions of salvation and dedication to the Lord, and countless others were encouraged. Our own people stepped forward to serve and minister, and best of all—Christ was magnified in Social Circle, Georgia.

Today, I felt we just needed to take a little time to praise the Lord—to exalt Him, to thank Him for allowing us the privilege of serving Him, and to rejoice in being a part of His family.

In Psalm 34, David lifts his heart in praise to God. We don’t know the exact circumstance when he wrote this psalm, but one thing is sure: anytime is a good time to praise the Lord. David made a big deal of God’s goodness and then invited others to join him.

Let’s look together at five truths from this text about our praise.

1. The Resolution of Praise

David said, “I will bless the Lord.” Praise is a choice. Just like grumbling, complaining, or speaking negatively are choices, so is praising the Lord.

We’ve all had our share of hard days, but we made a choice to come to God’s house today and praise Him anyway. Our praise doesn’t rely on circumstances but on the goodness of God. Like David, we must resolve to praise the Lord.

2. The Rhythm of Praise

David continued, “At all times.” Praise has a rhythm, a cadence. Just like music keeps time or soldiers march in step, our lives should beat with a steady cadence of praise to God.

Whether life is up or down, smooth or stormy, the rhythm continues: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks.”

  • Habakkuk 3:17–18 – “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

That’s a rhythm of praise!

3. The Residency of Praise

David said, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Praise begins in the heart but is expressed with the lips. True thanksgiving isn’t silent—it’s spoken, sung, and shared.

Our praise should be directed out loud to God, and it should be evident in our everyday conversations.

4. The Result of Praise

David continued, “The humble shall hear thereof and be glad.”

When discouraged and broken people hear words of praise, it lifts their spirit. Praise is contagious!

It’s like a pep rally. Even if the team hasn’t won a game, the words of encouragement from the coach and crowd can make them believe they can. Likewise, our words of praise can breathe life and hope into others who feel defeated.

5. The Reasons for Praise

Here are five powerful reasons we should praise the Lord:

  1. Because of Who He Is – “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting” (Psalm 100:5).

  2. Because of What He Has Done – “Forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

  3. Because He Is Always with Us – “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

  4. Because Praise Changes Our View – “O magnify the Lord with me” (Psalm 34:3).

  5. Because Praise Is Heaven’s Language – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 7:9–10).

Conclusion

David began this psalm with a personal declaration of praise, but he didn’t stop there—he invited others to join in: “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

That’s our calling today. When we lift our voices in praise, we magnify God above our problems, encourage the weary, and prepare our hearts for heaven’s song.

So, no matter what you’re facing, make the choice to praise. Set the rhythm of continual thanksgiving. Let your lips speak words of blessing. Encourage the broken around you. And remember why God is worthy.

Let’s just praise the Lord!