Manic Monday?

1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:1-7

“Extol” means “praise” or (to use a colloquial phrase!) “big up”.

• Why is David extolling God (v 4, 6)?
• Who does the LORD deliver (v 7)?

The “fear” of the LORD includes a sense of reverence, awe and wonder. We all revere someone or something. David points beyond our earthly “fears” to God himself, the only one worthy of our awe.

• When hard times come, are there people or things you tend to turn to for help before you turn to God?
• Today, is your heart more full of fear of your circumstances, or of the fear of the LORD ?

How can you replace the first with the second? Think back to a time when God has delivered you, and use verses 1-3 to give thanks for it. Look forward to the day God will deliver you from death, and give thanks for it. And ask God to help you to fear him today.