The psalmist declares, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that praise is not a response reserved for moments of joy or success but a continual act of worship, regardless of our circumstances. As we enter the new year, we are called to cultivate a heart that praises God daily. This requires intentionality—choosing gratitude over complaint and worship over worry.
Even in my own walk, I find that my prayers can sometimes begin with an overwhelming focus on myself and the problems I face. When I start down that path, I’ve learned to stop and take a moment to refocus on Him before continuing my prayer. This pause allows me to shift from a mindset of worry to one of worship, realigning my heart with His greatness and faithfulness.
A wonderful way to foster this spirit of constant praise is found in the words of the beloved hymn, “Count Your Blessings.” The lyric “Count your blessings; name them one by one” perfectly captures the practice of intentionally reflecting on God’s goodness. Journaling daily blessings is a tangible way to do this, helping us to record and remember the countless ways God has shown His love, provision, and care. This simple practice can transform our perspective, anchoring us in gratitude and reminding us of His faithfulness in every season.
When we develop the habit of praising God at all times—naming our blessings and focusing on His goodness—we position ourselves to experience His peace and joy, even in life’s most challenging moments. Let this year be one in which our words and actions consistently reflect a heart of worship, trusting Him above all else.
The psalmist continues, “I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.” This verse redirects our focus from ourselves and our achievements to the One who is the source of all that is good. It reminds us that our confidence and joy are found not in what we can do but in what God has already done and will continue to do in our lives.
In a world that often encourages self-promotion and pride in personal accomplishments, this call to boast only in the Lord is a countercultural act of humility and faith. As we reflect on the past year, we may recall moments of weakness and helplessness when we felt we could do nothing to change our circumstances. Yet, it is in those moments that God’s strength and faithfulness were most evident. His grace was sufficient, His love unwavering, and His provision steadfast.
For those who feel burdened or helpless as the new year begins, take heart in knowing that you are not alone. God sees you, He is with you, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. Let us echo the words of Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” These words beautifully capture the essence of our boast: any praise or honor we receive belongs to Him alone.
As servants of God, our lives should magnify His name, pointing others to His greatness and goodness. By boasting in the Lord, we not only give Him the glory He deserves but also inspire those around us to trust Him with their own struggles. Let this year be one where we humbly declare His faithfulness and unfailing love, ensuring that all honor and praise are directed to Him. Together, let us enter this new year with a renewed resolve to make His name great, knowing that He alone is worthy of our trust and adoration.
The psalmist proclaims, “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” This verse emphasizes the beauty and power of unity in worship. It calls us not only to individual devotion but to come together in peace, love, and harmony as the body of Christ, exalting the name of the Lord as one.
Over the past couple of decades, we have witnessed growing divisions among people. Society has become more tribal, with individuals isolating themselves within groups of like-minded thinkers, often at the expense of unity. This separation has diminished our sense of shared humanity and weakened our collective focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and with one another.
This new year is an opportunity to answer the psalmist’s call to gather together in worship. In the presence of God, our differences fade as we celebrate the salvation Christ Jesus brought into our dark and lonely world. His light unites us, transcending boundaries and drawing us into the shared mission of proclaiming His greatness.
When we join together in praise, we reflect the Kingdom of God—a community marked by love, harmony, and shared purpose. Worshiping together allows us to bear witness to the transformative power of Christ, reminding a divided world of the hope found in Him. This year, let us commit to coming together in worship and praise, setting aside our differences to celebrate the salvation and joy that only Jesus can provide. Let us exalt His name together and shine as one light in a world desperately in need of His love.
As we reflect on Psalm 34:1-3, it becomes clear that this passage calls us not only to worship but to action. Entering the new year is a chance to make spiritual resolutions that align our lives with the psalmist’s commitment to constant praise, reliance on God, and shared worship.
Instead of focusing solely on personal goals, let us resolve to grow in our faith this year. Consider adopting practices that deepen your relationship with God, such as daily prayer, reading Scripture, or journaling blessings to remind yourself of His faithfulness. As the hymn “Count Your Blessings” reminds us, there is power in naming our blessings one by one, transforming our perspective and anchoring us in gratitude.
As we boast in the Lord, we must let our words and actions reflect His greatness. This involves sharing our testimonies of His goodness with others, offering encouragement to those who feel helpless, and living out our faith in tangible ways. By doing so, we point others to the source of our hope and strength, giving God the glory He deserves.
Make corporate worship a priority this year. Seek out opportunities to gather with others in peace, love, and harmony to magnify the Lord’s name. Whether it is through attending services, joining small groups, or participating in outreach ministries, let us commit to building community and unity within the body of Christ.
Start each day by praising God for who He is and what He has done. Resolve to keep Him at the center of your life, boasting in His unfailing love and faithfulness. Find ways to worship together and let your life be a living testimony of His greatness.
As we step into this new year, let us leave behind the burdens of focusing solely on our problems and instead embrace a life of praise and worship. The psalmist’s words in Psalm 34:1-3 invite us to shift our perspective—to constantly speak of God’s goodness, to boast in His strength, and to exalt His name together. This is not merely a call for personal transformation but an invitation to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, celebrating the salvation He has brought into our lives.
In a world where division and isolation have often taken root, we are called to something greater: to come together in peace, love, and harmony, magnifying the name of the Lord as one body. By focusing on praise and worship, we reflect the joy and hope of Christ in a way that draws others into His light. Let us set aside the tribalism and separations that have defined too much of the past and instead gather in unity, lifting our voices as one in gratitude for His unfailing love and faithfulness.
This year, let us live as a testimony to the power of praise—replacing worry with worship and problems with the peace that comes from magnifying the greatness of our God. Together, as a family in Christ, we can proclaim His goodness and be a beacon of His love to a world in need. “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” May this be the year we fully embrace this call and live it out to His glory.
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