I will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 Psalm 34:1

This verse makes perfect sense on a Sunday morning. But what about when life stinks?

Just a couple of years into his marriage, my friend Rick noticed his wife exhibiting signs of mental struggles. But she was too young for anything serious, right?

Walking alongside Rick the mile-and-a-half commute from Moody to the train station, he shared often. About how his wife's condition grew so bad that she had to be hospitalized and then institutionalized.

Rick went on to live most of his life as a single dad, though he was still married. He did not enjoy dinner conversations or quiet walks with the woman he loved. He did not take romantic vacations with her or explore fun new places to dine together. Anniversary celebrations meant nothing

Remarkably, as Rick and I shared that walk over the years, he had nothing but kind words and gratitude for his wife. He spoke glowingly of her as if she were a combination of supermom and supermodel. He praised God and was genuinely thankful for her, always believing she might improve.

What a picture of Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” What a contrast to the negative self-talk we often “sing.” Our complaining chorus resounds with lyrics like “Life stinks. I’ve been ripped off. I don’t feel like praising God.”

If that's the wrong self-talk, what's the correct version? It goes like this: "I can choose to praise God even when life around me is falling apart." Just like Rick. Now, there might be some sour notes along the way (I'm sure Rick had his darker moments), but if you stay at it, you can make new habits of praise to God.

How to Make This Self-Talk YOUR Self-Talk

First, choose to believe this lifestyle of constant praise is normal and doable. Stop telling yourself it isn’t.

Second, tell God you want to live this way. Ask Him for His help.

Third, the very next time something rotten happens to you, quote this verse out loud. It has often put me in a much better mood—immediately!

Fourth, do this again and again. Let it become a lifestyle.

Pray It

O Lord, You know my tendency to whine. But I want to learn to “bless the Lord at all times.” I want Your praise to “continually be in my mouth.” Would You help me replace whining with praising? I believe You will make sweet music out of my life as I learn to praise You—no matter what. Amen.

You’ve just read an excerpt from Jon’s new book, Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms (releasing December 6). If you’re tired of all the negative messages trashing your personal peace, this is for you!

https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Self-Talk-Psalms-Biblical-Mindset/