David was such a great king that we often forget the trials he went through to get to the throne. Many of the Psalms were written in response to some of these trials. A story in 1 Samuel 21:12-15 is one we may not even realize happened but it did. When David was fleeing from Saul, who was trying to kill him, he fled to the town of Gath. When he arrived, the people of that town recognized him as the one who had killed Goliath. David realized that this might put him at risk so he pretended to be insane, pounding his head on the city gate, foaming at the mouth, and letting saliva drip from his beard. Imagine that? At this, the king said he was not a threat at all and his life was spared.
My Bible says that Psalm 34 was written as a response to this. David seemed to always give credit to God. As he worshiped God in this moment, we read in Psalm 34:3, “Come let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” David continues in this psalm and speaks about God’s protection, the angels He sends, His goodness, His eyes that are always on the righteous, and that God is close to the brokenhearted. As David looked back on this moment, he recognized how God had been with Him and also how God showed up in great ways. So, he says… “Let me encourage YOU to tell of the LORD’s GREATNESS.”
In response to this verse, I had an incredible worship service this morning. I spoke out loud the greatness of my God: With just His Word, He spoke the world into existence; He placed the stars in the sky and calls them all by name; He conquered death and eternal condemnation; His Name is above all other names; Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah; He sits on the highest throne and reigns with righteousness and judgment; not one jot or tittle will pass away; His Word is perfect; His glory is on this earth; His light shines for all to see; and… one day He will fight all those nations coming against Israel. He is the WINNER.
Our verse also says to exalt His name together. This is what we should do… when we’re together with others, speak of His greatness. When you’re in your Christian circles, talk about God and all that He’s done and all that He’s doing. Talk about His sovereignty, His power, His majesty, His salvation. Let His greatness be exalted. When you’re with unbelievers, speak of your God and who He is, even if you think they will reject it or they will tell you to be quiet.
By speaking of God’s greatness, our problems will surely take a back seat. We will recognize our humanness in light of God’s divinity. And in the end, God will be so glorified. So, let’s tell of the LORD’s greatness today.