Bless The Lord

“Unbelief puts our circumstances between us and God,” wrote F. B. Meyer, “but faith puts God between us and our circumstances.”

We live in an age where many people, including Christians, allow themselves to be paralyzed by their fears, restricted by their disappointments, and confined by their circumstances. We place too much confidence on finite human ingenuity and not enough on the infinite power, protection and providence of God.

King David was a “man after God’s own heart” for many reasons. But in reading the Psalms we learn of his trust in God regardless of the situation or circumstances.   The sweet singer of Israel endured many hardships, disappointments and slights, but he always stayed focused on God. And he gave God the glory regardless of the problems he faced.

In one of the great Psalms when David was on the run because King Saul was trying to kill him, he expressed his confidence in God in spite of the threat of physical harm or personal discomfort.

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

Ps. 34:1-3

The Bible constantly encourages us to glorify God regardless of the challenges that we face in life. Over 440 times the word “glory” of its various forms are used in the Bible. David said, “Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your glory all the day.” (Ps. 71:8)

How can we do that? What kind of words can come out of my mouth that will glorify God? In this text David uses five words that glorify God. Over the next five posts, we want to consider these words.

David said, “I will Bless the Lord at all times.” What does this mean? When should be do it? And how can it be done? 

Bless means “to knell, to be blessed, or to bless.” It is a Semitic word used in reference or connection with Deity. It is used as a pronouncement of God’s blessings on mankind. And it is used to show the blessing we become.

However, before we can sincerely bless the Lord, we must realize and acknowledge his blessings upon us. It is an attitude and approach to life for the Believer. David expressed it this way in Psalm 103:21-22.

Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,

You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.

Bless the Lord, all His works,

In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Like Job, we can “bless God” in both good times and in difficult situations as we deal with pain, problems and loss. In the midst of unexplained and unexpected  adversity Job blessed God.

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

One of my favorite authors, Anonymous, expressed it this way.

Lord Giveth – Bless God
Lord Taketh – Bless God
When I’m Up – Bless God
When I’m Down – Bless God
When I Have Money – Bless God
When I am Broke – Bless God
When I am Working – Bless God
When I am Laid Off – Bless God
When I am Feeling Well – Bless God
When I Have Aches and Pains – Bless God
When I am Understood – Bless God
When I am Misunderstood – Bless God
When I’m Calm – Bless God
When I’m Stressed – Bless God

Don’t allow circumstances to come between you and God. In all situations, exercise your faith, hold on tight to your hope, and express your love by saying, “Bless the Lord.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman