“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” (Ps 104:33-34 AV)
For all of you pessimists out there, this is for you! This vow is a good one. It is a necessary one. This vow should transcend our circumstances. Our troubles and trials should not dictate our praise. In fact, it might be a good idea to praise God, especially when we are suffering. The author promises to praise the LORD as long as he is among the living. Not only that, but verse 34 states all the meditation he will exercise will be sweet. Remember, this is a vow. Which also means it is a choice. These verses are not a result of a natural response to good things that are happening. Rather, these verses are a vow that despite his circumstances, his thoughts of the LORD will be sweet and he will praise the LORD for the remainder of his days on earth no matter what. Praise, gratitude, and sweet thoughts go a long way toward living a life that pleases God. The principle of these two verses also dictates how we will handle adversity.
Sometimes, our demeanor is a matter of choice. Many years ago, while in the Boy Scouts, our scoutmaster planned an outing that did not go exactly as planned. He wanted the troop to earn their canoeing merit badge. This required we learn several skills, include portaging the canoes overland from one point to another. We were also required to paddle an extended trip of five miles or more. So, living on the Erie Barge Canal, this wasn’t too difficult. He borrowed the districts' canoes, had us all meet at a place called Widewaters, and canoe five miles east. The problem was, it was rainy, and we got tired really quick. Those in my canoe devised a plan to make this trip a lot easier. We lashed two canoes together, used tent stakes and ponchos, and built a catamaran. We sailed most of the way. It was great! When we got near the place that carrying our boats was necessary, we were soaked. Rather than be in misery, my buddies and I made a game of it. We jumped into every puddle we could find. Why not? We were already drenched, and this experience was not getting any better, so may as well make lemonade out of lemons, as the saying goes. My father, the scoutmaster, never understood how we completed the five-mile run so quickly, and we never told him! Hilarious.
I am not saying it is possible to laugh and have a good time, regardless of our circumstances. But the LORD doesn’t have to suffer just because we are. In fact, if we choose to praise God no matter what, it just might go a little easier. If our meditation is on the LORD and it is sweet, our eyes we change direction from inward to outward. Our experience will not consume our thoughts. Rather, our thoughts we recall all the good God has done to and for us. Remembering His grace will open our eyes to present mercies. The psalmist makes a vow here. In spite of what he is or may face, he will sing praises to the LORD. No matter how tormented his heart of mind is, he chooses to think good thoughts of the LORD and meditate on Him rather than himself. This is good advice. This is a great vow to make. This vow will help us navigate life, no matter the outcome. This vow will turn a difficult time into a tolerable one. It is our choice.
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