Wednesday, June 17
Tuesday’s Scripture passage was Psalm 34:1-8. Today, let’s focus on the first two verses:
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.
(Psalm 34:1-2)
The normal definition of “boast” describes a person who talks with excessive pride about their own achievements, possessions or abilities. It has become common for “boast” to also describe some third person object to which a person has tied their identity. Thus, a person may boast about their team, their favorite band, their political position, their home state, etc. In contrast to this human preoccupation, we encounter a very different orientation for children of God. Those who are born again into a living relationship with Christ learn that there is a “boasting” which far surpasses the typical conversations. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write:
“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.”
(Galatians 6:14). His words align with what is written in Psalm 34:2
“I will only boast in the LORD.”
It could be that as you read these words you may realize that you need to confess something to God. Have you placed your sense of identity in your own accomplishments, possessions or abilities? Have you found yourself boasting in something other than Christ? If so, today might be a good day to reflect on the passages above. Today may be a good day to ask the Lord to forgive you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life that I might be yours forever. Forgive me for the times when by my thoughts, words or actions, I boast in something other than you. Fill me with your Spirit so I am always your witness. Every day. Everywhere. Amen.
