A Lesson in Praise

When we read Psalm 34 and are caught up in its praise, we often forget the trauma in David's life which gave birth to this anthem of praise. David wrote Psalm 56 about this same event. It starts as darkly as Psalm 34 is bright. "Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High." (Psalm 56:1-2). How did David get from Psalm 56 to Psalm 34? His commitment in 56:3 paved the way. "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." He trusted, God delivered, and David praised.
I. THE SETTING OF THE PSALM
II. THE EXERCISE OF PRAISE (v. 1-3)
III. THE BLESSING OF PRAISE (v. 4-7)