David was on the run in 1 Samuel chapter 21. Jonathan had warned his friend that Saul was burning with anger and hot on David’s trail. Saul would not stop until David was dead. Each time Saul got close, God delivered David from harm. Our “Run to Him” study brings us to Psalm 34, where we find David literally running from Saul.
I’ve spent time this week running. I’m running our house. I’m running to and from school. I’m running to my son’s next therapy appointment. I’m running to church. I’m running down the to-do list. I’m running laundry downstairs and back up again. I’m running to catch-up with my husband so we can spend a few minutes together. Even though King Saul isn’t hot on my heels, some days it does feel like if I stop running, life will fall apart. When I read Psalm 34, I’m reminded that even in the middle of his running, David stopped and praised God.
He stopped and praised.
Do you need to stop and praise today? Right now in this moment?
Let’s look closer at how David praised God in this midst of his running.
- David was specific in his praise. Some nights I sink into bed after a long day of running and all I can mutter is “Thank you God for this day.” But when I take time to really think back through the events of the day, I remember specific ways God showed me grace. In Psalm 34, David praised God for answering him and delivering him. What specific events or blessings can you thank God for today?
- David invited others to praise God with him. He wrote, “magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (v. 3). He knew the power of praising God together. At dinner with your family you can all share how God is blessing you. You can share your praises with your Sunday school class or small group. Continually point others to God and His grace.
- David wanted to please God. Taking time to praise God also reminded David that he wanted to continue to obey God. Verse 14 says, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” David was motivated to please God out of his love for Him. We can also learn from God’s Word how He wants us to act and react so we bring honor to Him.
- David reminded himself and us that God is a refuge for the runner. He writes, “Blessed is the man who takes refuge in God” (v. 8) and “None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned” (v. 22). You can rest from your running because He cares for you. He is your refuge.
Stop running. Take a moment to praise God. Share your praises with us in the comments! Let’s remind ourselves and each other of God’s grace and goodness.
Thank you for the reminder to stop and praise, something I have been thinking about today! Also I was stopping over to let Katie (and everyone else who posts here) know that I am passing a blog award on to you, no strings attached. I just think you’re a blessing :)
Well, thank you, Rhoda!
Honored to walk this journey toward a word-centered life alongside of you!
I’ve found that praise comes easier if you work at making it a habit. Just like any other habit, you have to consciously make a decision to do it. Once you are aware, you find reason to praise Him in everything. If you look for the good, you will find it. :)
I’m praising Him today because He’s bringing my brother and me together. I’ll see him tonight for the first time in almost two years. This brother I’ve known of all my life, yet only met him a couple years ago. God is bringing my family peace and closure that’s been a lifetime in waiting. I’m thrilled, and praise Him for His timing and goodness.
I love Psalm 34! Corporate worship is one of the biggest blessings He’s given us. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than watching the radiant faces of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as they praise our Saviour. It’s exhilarating to bare my soul to Him in worship. He is do deserving of all my praise. My favorite verse: “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” LOVE that! :)
Happy Friday!
How was your time with your brother, Larri? Exciting to hear of His goodness to bring you back together.
Hey Katie! We had a whirlwind weekend that was fabulous. :) It’s certainly exciting to watch Him at work in our lives. And it was wonderful to create some memories that will keep us connected as a family. Thank you for asking. Happy Monday! :)
What a wonderful, wonderful reminder!! If David could stop in the midst of his running to praise, we can/should too.
It is quite amazing when I think about it, that David would stop and praise. So shouldn’t it be the least I can do, with no enemies chasing after my life (at least visible ones)???
I praise Him tonight for a whole day/night at home, for time to work on my Sunday Bible class lesson, for receiving encouraging e-mails from brothers and sisters today through a rough spot, and for giving me hope that things will always work out in the end for those who love God (Romans 8:28).
Great post, Sandra. Thanks for encouraging us to do this.
Grateful only touches the surface. I have been desiring for a reading plan through the Psalms for quite some time now. Signing up for the Hello Mornings Challenge and doing this study has been amazing. About a week into the challenge/study, we have received news my 4 yr old son has as serious liver disease (50/50 shot of liver transplant) and the Lord has carried us through the past couple weeks through these Psalms, through His word. Thank you from the bottom of this momma’s worn out soul for following the Lord’s leading to do write this study and the extra’s on Fridays. I so look forward to them and will be keeping this study on my for a very long time. On a lighter note, I am thankful my daughter loves to play dress up. She is just now getting into it (3 yr old) and is fully embracing it and, oh…how precious it is.
Again, grateful, thankful….however you want to put it….is where I am.
Oh, Shelby, thank you for sharing how God is so faithful to bring you exactly what you have needed through this difficult time!
{Lord, we ask that you would be her strength through this hard time. Give the Doctor’s your wisdom, and guide them. Use this for your great name’s glory!}
Shelby, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you this morning. Peace for you and your family, healing in your son, and praising God for the delight you have in your daughter during this difficult time.
Going down a scary road right now with some medical prognosis. I’m finding I have an amazing peace tho and am thankful for many things. My childrens’ health, my sweet relationships with them and my husband, and encouraging friends. “But they that seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.” (vs 10) I’m realizing that the “good thing” is HIM, just HIM.
“I’m realizing that the “good thing” is HIM, just HIM.” Oh, yes! You are so right! So many times we look at Scripture and want to interpret things as things we can touch and feel, but more often than not they are spiritual-like here.
Thank you for sharing, Caroline. Praying He will be your strength, peace, and joy.
What a beautiful picture of faith and devotion, that David paused from his running to praise God. This reminds me of that fabulous song,”Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. I can relate too to all the running you do as you go about your day to care for your family and maintain your home. That reminded me that if I am too busy to pause my busy day, and praise God for His goodness in my life, then I’m much too busy and something needs to be postponed so I can have that daily time to be with God–to praise Him for what He’s done, and to hear what He wants to tell me through the reading of His Word. These times with God are so refreshing and energizing that I can’t imagine my day without it. No wonder David took time out of his running to be with God. :)
It IS so hard to slow down, isn’t it!? But you are right, it is a sign of our faith and devotion (and the grace of the Spirt working in us) for us to stop and praise!
Your second point is what kept striking me this week. I *should* praise (genuinely, of course) so others can hear and praise Him, too. (That and verse 22… no condemnation… that always gets me.)
And, yes, to STOP and praise Him – regardless of what’s going on! Thanks so much for the reminder, Sandra.
I can honestly say, “I feel as if I am not striving to be with the Lord anymore” Instead I am conscious of His presence and stop where ever I am and call on Him, praise Him, rest in Him. He is my Refuge! the past 15 months have been the hardest 15 months of my life and that goes for my family as well. We have been hiding in the proverbial cave. Hiding from the risk of anymore pain. God has used that time to draw us to His peace, strength (as a result of joy found in our salvation and His sovereignty in our lives) We are all finding our way to either Run to Him or Wit with Him, or Walk with Him, but regardless It is Him that is our foundation. Praise the Lord. Nothing can destroy us. We are grateful for (weird to say thanks for bad things) but we are thankful for the tests. We all will go through times that we may struggle, fall, experience pain and suffering, loss, be put through tests, but He is my/our All-in-All. We we able to see Who is our God. The I AM! I know I cannot speak for each member of my family, but I know this time has laid a foundation that will be built upon as they go through the fire and tests, sanctification takes time, daily for the rest of their earthly lives. Heb 10:14. blessings
It has been a hard last year and a half in our family too, Kim! I’m so encouraged by your testimony. Sanctification does take time and it isn’t easy, but we can still be thankful!
I don’t know if it is the enemy or or the Lord, but within minutes of typing my comments above, we had a major family melt down, emotions, psyche, self all over the place. Teens throwing fits, one young adult slugging a wall, over nothing that we can tell, at least on the surface. I know there is a root, but it is hidden under hurt , pain, pride, you name it. I know God is in this, He wants it revealed and removed. The heart restored or better yet, replaced with a heart of flesh. Prayer was necessary, The Lord’s prayer ‘His will be done, here as in in His kingdom, we live in His kingdom now! Prayer appreciated. Brother against brother, and there isn’t a real reason, just a symptom that hides the real problem, like a fig leaf.
ps how did you get E-bible to highlight the scripture verse as a link? I love it!
Isn’t it great! You can get it here: http://ebible.com/ministry
One thing I am so grateful for is the focus I have been able to keep with Hello Mornings…my boss told me at work the other day that I seem to be calmer lately. Which is HUGE! I am going through divorce and lots of things keep piling up that make me feel out of breath from RUNNING! I am so loving this Bible study that reminds me to stop and praise, to be thankful, to remember all that God has done for me in the past that proves His faithfulness to me in my present and for my future. I am not always calmer…but I am finding ways to get there more often.
That’s wonderful Kelly! I just said a prayer for you and your “running.” So encouraged you found something to praise God for!