Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
I bless GOD every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
(Psalms 34:1 (MSG))
I don’t often reference the Message translation, but I love the implications of this passage and the way it gives a very unique and powerful example of our need to praise God.
Typically, we see this passage conveyed similar to the following, with each translation using slightly different words to convey what David actually wrote in his native language.
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
(Psalms 34:1 (NIV))
Honestly, who uses words like “extol?” I realize that it is a word that many people know, but most people will use the words “bless” or “praise.” Those words are straight to the point. Do you bless God every chance that you get? Perhaps what I love the most about the way that the Message translates this passage, though, is the last half of the passage. Everyone who is alive must breathe. This requires your lungs to expand and collapse as you inhale and exhale. This process is essential for life. Think about the meaning and the implications of that concept. We should consider praising God as essential to life as breathing! Without God, we would not have life.
We should give thanks with every breath that we take for the breath that we take. We should praise God for the life that He has given. We should praise God for the grace and the mercy that He has offered. We should praise God for His unfailing love.
Do you praise God with every breath you take?
Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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