Why Worship God in My Pain? (Psalm 32-34)
Have you ever gone through a difficult situation where you found it almost impossible to give God praise? If so, Psalm 34 is a must-read.
Psalm 32-34
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever gone through a difficult situation where you found it almost impossible to give God praise?
If so, Psalm 34 is a must-read. This psalm, attributed to David, is connected to an episode in his life where he feigned insanity to escape danger in Gath, as recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Likely written in response to being spared by King Achish of Gath, David composed this psalm as a hymn of thanksgiving to God for his protection and deliverance. It is also an acrostic psalm, meaning that each verse (or successive group of verses) begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structured approach serves not only as a poetic device but also aids in memorization. In the opening verses, David says:
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will boast in the Lord;
the humble will hear and be glad.
3 Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;
let us exalt his name together.
To “bless the Lord” means to offer praise, thanksgiving, and adoration to God. It involves acknowledging His greatness, goodness, and sovereign power. This expression of gratitude and reverence is not about adding anything to God, as he is self-sufficient. Rather, it is a recognition of his character and deeds from a human perspective.
As this psalm indicates, blessing the Lord is not contingent on our situations. As Willem VanGemeren notes, David “calls attention to what God has done rather than boastfully point to his own works and accomplishments. The praise of God is continual, God–centered, and the product of a grateful heart.”[1] This tells us something about the nature of worship. True worship is always God-focused. It’s a shift in perspective, elevating our eyes above our circumstances and onto God.
In giving God praise, David accomplishes two objectives. He glorifies God, and he points others toward him. As Gerald Wilson says, “The Psalmist here presents a personal testimony of deliverance by Yahweh, interwoven with encouragement to others to entrust themselves to his care.”[2] It’s a form of worship that runs counterculture to what feels natural.
When we bless God’s name and praise him, we align with who we were created to be. Just as we delight in life's small pleasures and share them with others, we are meant to do the same in our relationship with God. In Reflections on the Psalms, CS Lewis said, “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.”[3]
Like David, you might have a situation that feels overwhelming. You might even fear for your life. In these moments, choose to make small decisions against yourself and worship God through your pain. As you do, your heart will be encouraged, and others will be pointed to God.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | I praise you for your endless goodness and mercy. My soul sings of your greatness, and I cannot keep silent about your faithfulness and love. Your deeds are too numerous to count, and for this, I will always bless your name.
Release | I release my fears and anxieties into your hands, knowing you are my deliverer and protector. Just as David proclaimed your praises in his time of trial, I, too, cast aside my burdens, trusting in your sovereign care to guide me through every challenge.
Ask | I ask for the courage to continually seek you, to speak of your goodness, and to share the joy of your salvation with those around me. May my life reflect your glory, and may my spirit be humble and contrite, recognizing your power and grace in every moment.
Yield | I yield to your will, eager to see your kingdom come in my heart and in this world. Teach me to live in constant adoration of you, to magnify your name together with the saints, and to exalt you at all times.
