Extended Praise

Psalm 34:1  I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Reading this opening line knowing what David had just been through is so encouraging; having feigned being a mad man so as not to be captured.  He was being pursued, chased, hunted; in those “now” moments continued to bless and praise the Lord.

In the good times it is easy to praise; but what about the times that are challenging at best or truly being incarcerated imprisoned from hope and faith?  That was in just such a time that the Psalmist chose to “extend” blessing and praising the Lord.  His wasn’t a short chorus, it was an extended time of declaration.

When confronted with maladies of life, extend times of praise!