I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips
My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord & he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord & he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Ps 34:1-5 NIV
SHAME AND FEAR
Shame and fear are linked together in verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 34. If we have one, we probably have the other. Being shamed, being publicly humiliated, causes a person to fear it happening again. Or if a person is abused, generally they will feel ashamed in addition to fear, even though they did nothing wrong. The first verses speak of being afflicted. Shame and fear are debilitating afflictions.
A WAY OUT
So what is the way out? The psalmist approaches God with humility and confidence. He draws near to him with extravagant praise and worship: he extols, boasts in, glorifies and exalts. He puts effort and positive energy into seeking the Lord. The word "always" indicates he does this as a lifestyle. He urges others to join him in his praise. He sees God as not only praiseworthy, but as the answer to his problems. And God responds to him, transforming his countenance from one of affliction to one of radiance.
Photo by capdar, http://www.flickr.com/photos/captain_don/
Shame and fear are linked together in verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 34. If we have one, we probably have the other. Being shamed, being publicly humiliated, causes a person to fear it happening again. Or if a person is abused, generally they will feel ashamed in addition to fear, even though they did nothing wrong. The first verses speak of being afflicted. Shame and fear are debilitating afflictions.
A WAY OUT
So what is the way out? The psalmist approaches God with humility and confidence. He draws near to him with extravagant praise and worship: he extols, boasts in, glorifies and exalts. He puts effort and positive energy into seeking the Lord. The word "always" indicates he does this as a lifestyle. He urges others to join him in his praise. He sees God as not only praiseworthy, but as the answer to his problems. And God responds to him, transforming his countenance from one of affliction to one of radiance.
Photo by capdar, http://www.flickr.com/photos/captain_don/
