What does it mean to "bless the LORD" in our daily lives? Opening Scripture “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1) Bless—What the Word Conveys • In Hebrew, “barak” carries ideas of kneeling, adoring, speaking well of, and recognizing greatness. • When the psalmist “blesses” the LORD, he is not adding anything to God; he is declaring God’s worth and responding in worshipful gratitude. • Blessing the LORD is therefore an attitude and an action—praise that flows from a surrendered heart. Daily Expressions of Blessing the LORD • Spoken Praise – Start and end the day with verbal adoration (Psalm 103:1–2). – Sing, whisper, or write out praise during routine tasks. • Grateful Remembrance – Recall specific mercies (Psalm 103:3–5). – Keep a running list of answered prayers and providences. • Obedient Living – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) – Each act of obedience is silent praise that blesses Him. • Thankfulness in Trials – “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) – Choosing gratitude under pressure declares His sufficiency. • Serving Others – “Inasmuch as you did it for one of the least of these... you did it for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) – Practical love for people blesses the LORD whose image they bear. • Stewardship of Resources – Honor Him with time, abilities, finances (Proverbs 3:9). – Giving joyfully acknowledges His ownership of all. • Public Witness – “Proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you.” (1 Peter 2:9) – Conversationally point others to His character and works. Ordinary Moments, Intentional Praise • Morning routine—voice gratitude before checking a device. • Commute—turn drive time into worship through song or Scripture memory. • Work—offer each task “as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Meals—pause to recognize His provision (James 1:17). • Conflict—respond with grace, blessing instead of reviling (1 Peter 3:9). • Evening—review the day, noting evidences of His faithfulness. Guarding Sincerity • Avoid mechanical words detached from the heart (Isaiah 29:13). • Cultivate humility; blessing the LORD begins with kneeling of spirit. • Regular repentance keeps praise genuine (Psalm 51:15–17). Fruit of a Life that Blesses the LORD • Deeper awareness of His presence (Psalm 16:7–11). • Strengthened faith through continual remembrance (Psalm 77:11–12). • Contagious joy that draws others to Him (Psalm 34:2–3). Blessing the LORD is not a single moment but a rhythm—adoration spoken, lived, and shared, “at all times” and in all things. |
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