Psalm 28 - Praise Him with Song

7 The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (NLT)

How do you face the pressures of life? What do you do when things go wrong? 

1. Know that the Lord is your strength and shield. This isn't some positive thinking thinking type thing. It's not happy thoughts. It's knowing the WHO you are trusting in. Self-help gurus and even some pseudo-preachers tell you to believe in yourself and then God will take care of you. That's not what this verse says at all. "The LORD is my strength and shield."
2. Let your heart greatly rejoice! Don't be one of those people who mopes around saying "woe is me." You can rejoice, not as some sort of - again - positive thinking thing. You can rejoice because THE LORD is your strength and shield. 
3. Praise Him with song. This doesn't mean you have to join a choir - although that would be a great idea.... You should have a song in your heart all day long every day. Sing to the LORD as you go about life. Sing in worship at church. Don't stand there and watch. Sing! Burst out in songs of joy!

Bottom line:

Let Psalm 28:7 be your guide on how to live life. 

Oh...and the last verse is great too. (bonus thoughts)

He is your shepherd and will hold you forever. Yes.... that was written as a prayer for Israel, but it applies to those who love and follow the Lord. 

Psalm 21 - Rejoice with Singing and Praise

We can't totally relate to what David is saying in Psalm 21. We aren't kings and queens. We don't have an entire nation watching us to see what God is doing in our lives.

But we can relate if we think about the blessings that God pours out on us. As joint heirs with Christ we are His children. Romans 8:17 Morning by morning new mercies we see. Lamentations 3:22-23

If you'll take some time and reflect on all that God has done in your life then you can join in with David in your response.

• Joy in God's strength v.1
• Greatly rejoice in God's victory v.1
• Cheered with joy in God's presence v.6
• Sing v.13
• and Praise God's might v.13

Bottom line:

You may not be a king, but you still have a lot of reasons to praise God. When you notice all of the blessings in your life you'll be filled with joy - most importantly, the joy of His presence.

Then you won't be able to help yourself. You'll join the saints through the ages who have echoed David's words and you'll sing and praise His power.

Be exalted, O LORD , in Your strength; 

We will sing and praise Your power.