Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2503 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll explore Psalm 34, focusing on verses 1 through 7 from the New Living Translation. This psalm is a powerful expression of gratitude, praise, and the assurance of God’s care, written by David during a time of personal hardship. Despite his circumstances, David found joy and confidence in God, and he shares this joy with us, encouraging us to do the same.
Let’s read these verses together, and then we’ll explore the richness of David’s words and how they can strengthen our faith and perspective today.
Psalm 34:1-7 (NLT)
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak His praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt His name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
He saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.
A Commitment to Praise (Verses 1-3):
David begins this psalm with verse 1 in an unwavering declaration of praise: “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” In the opening line, we see David’s determination to make worship and gratitude a constant part of his life, regardless of his circumstances. Notice he doesn’t say he’ll praise God only in good times or when things are going well—he says “at all times.” This is a powerful choice that requires a commitment to keep God at the center, even in the most challenging moments.
David goes on in verse 2, “I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.” Here, David is not boasting in his own strength, wisdom, or accomplishments, but solely in God. By directing his focus entirely to the Lord, he sets an example for those who feel weak or helpless. David’s experience of God’s faithfulness offers encouragement to anyone who feels overwhelmed or powerless. He’s saying, “Take heart, because God is with you, and He is more than enough.”
In verse 3, David invites us to join him in this praise: “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” David recognizes that worship is more powerful and fulfilling when shared with others. He invites his community—and now, us—to celebrate the goodness of God together. This is a beautiful picture of corporate worship, where our voices join to lift up God’s name, reminding each other of His greatness and strengthening our collective faith.
These verses remind...
