Scripture: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Ps 34:1 NASB
Israel had a tradition of memorizing scripture – to them the first five books of the Bible or Torah. Therefore, when a rabbi spoke the first part of a scripture passage, like one of the books of the Bible, it was a reference to the whole passage. Jesus is thought by many scholars to have done this when he quoted the first verse of Psalm 22 from the cross.
In today’s passage, the first verse is just the beginning of declaring the Lord’s praise as the Psalm concerns itself with how God provides for and delivers His people. We should remember to praise the Lord no matter what occurs in our life. Easier said than done.
However, there are usually worse things that could befall us than what we experience in life, until we no longer have the ability to live on this earth. Even in that tragic circumstance, the Christian will see the Lord and enter the incredible heavenly realm to dwell with his Maker forever.
Let’s continue to remember to “set our eyes on things above, and not on things that are of the earth.” When tragedy befalls you, seek someone who can help you to remember God’s provisions for you, even in the rough times we will all inevitably experience on this earth.
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