Songs Of PraiseSample

Do You Desire Life?

Right in the middle of Psalm 34, David the King asks a most significant question, “Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days that he may see good?” David is asking whether or not you and I are people who desire life. Now David had all of the trappings of what the world says brings life – wealth, power, status, courage, adoration, success in battle – you name it, he had it. And yet we never hear him in any of his Psalms saying that those things brought him life. 

David says that two things bring life:

• when we bless the Lord 
• when the Lord blesses us

David tells us in Psalm 34 that there are three ways to bless the Lord. 

First, he says that we are to praise Him. How are we supposed to do this? Personally, with our entire beings; continually, despite our circumstances; unselfishly, recognizing His power and authority; and together, exalting His name. God’s response to our praise is hearing us and bringing gladness because He is listening.

Second, David says we are to seek God. How? Through our prayers directed to Him; our focus firmly upon Him; and our crying out to Him – the One who hears us. God responds to my seeking by delivering me from my fears, my shame, and my situation, watching over me and making my face shine with a radiant glow. 

Third, we are to trust God. How? By tasting and seeing – the more we experience Him the more we know Him; by waiting on Him patiently allowing Him time to work; by fearing Him – another word for awe and reverence; and by passionately pursuing Him. He responds to this trust by showing Himself to be good no matter our circumstances. 

When we praise, seek and trust, He brings gladness, radiance, and goodness. That sounds like a rich life to me.

The second thing that brings life is when the Lord blesses us. 

David says that God brings a blessed life to the person who is teachable, who seeks and does good, who controls his tongue, and who pursues peace. These individuals also have a humble spirit and are His servants. To these the eyes and ears of God are turned; He delivers them and redeems them. Now that is life!

Are you experiencing this type of blessed life?