My mouth is filled with your praise
Psalms 71:8 - Perhaps there would be less discord and divisiveness in our society if everyone spent their days and nights praising God rather than attacking each other…
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI) using the DALL·E model.
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.”
Psalms 71:8 NIV
Another day, another wonderful psalm! I have to admit that I feel a rush of happiness whenever I see that the Lord has chosen for me to examine a psalm, since there is so much joy, praise, and wisdom tied up in these neat little packages.
Today’s psalm is assumed to have been written by King David, although there is no foreword announcing “This is a psalm of David (or Asaph, or the Sons of Korah…”). All of Psalms 71 is written from the viewpoint of an older, wiser king who is currently going through more trials in his life — in this case, the rebellion of Absalom.
David knows one important fact at this point; the perfect time to praise God and speak of His glory is all the time. Charles Spurgeon had an appropriate commentary (found on Enduring Word) for this psalm:
i. “God’s bread is always in our mouths, so should his praise be. He fills us with good; let us be also filled with gratitude. This would leave no room for murmuring or backbiting.” (Spurgeon)
Perhaps there would be less discord and divisiveness in our society if everyone spent their days and nights praising God rather than attacking each other…
To modern eyes and ears, the words “My mouth is filled with your praise” are a bit odd. These and similar words are used frequently in the Psalms, and for a very good reason. When these were written (1500 - 500 BC), the most common way of communicating ideas was orally, and praise was spoken or sung in public to declare God’s greatness. David’s mouth was an outlet for his heart, which was filled with an overabundance of gratitude. In Psalm 34:1, David said: “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” The King was setting an example for believers in his time and in ours, reminding all to focus on God’s character and actions.
What is the “splendor” of God David refers to here? It’s God’s majesty and glory, which are evident to anyone who takes the time to ponder His creation and His works. It’s also a way of describing God’s divinity as being beyond our comprehension, yet realizing that He is intimately involved in the world He created. David is inviting God’s people to contemplate His beauty and power, cultivating a deeper sense of awe in the Creator.
The King doesn’t just pop out a prayer and then go on with his day; he praises God “all day long.” That’s why I chose to have my AI artist show David strumming and singing in the early morning and late at night. Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to be in constant communion with God, integrating worship into everything we do. Enjoying a meal? Thank God for providing the ingredients and inspiring someone to turn them into something tasty. Is the sunrise or sunset particularly spectacular today? Praise Him for his artistry!
Sunset over Miami, January 7, 2025. Photo © 2025, Steven Sande
Man may construct the buildings, but God wields the palette and brush to create such stunning sights. He enabled us to appreciate the beauty in His creation. Even if your day isn’t going particularly well, or a good friend is in hospice, or you have no idea how you’re going to make your next house payment… praise Him for giving you life.
As Christians, our awareness of God’s presence and giving Him praise should be the core of our lives of faith. Worship shouldn’t be limited to singing our hearts out to a praise band on Sunday at church, but continuous. Even if your “mouth full of praise” is simply directing your thoughts to God, your lifestyle of worship is apparent to the Lord, who sees that you are fully devoted to Him.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Can’t keep up that continuous stream of praise and worship? Here’s a set of prayers for today (which means you’ll have to set your smartphone to remind you to visit Heaven On Wheels again around mid-day and just before you go to sleep….):
Morning: Lord, thank You for the gift of another day of glorious life. Remind me to fill my heart, mouth, and thoughts with Your praise. May I recognize and appreciate Your glory in every situation and moment, and share it with those around me.
Mid-Day: Heavenly Father, have I thanked You enough today for the blessings You have showered on me? May my words and thoughts reflect Your love and grace, and may I be a constant witness to Your goodness.
Evening: As another day in this earthly life comes to its conclusion, I thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Help me to ponder the moments when I praised You today, and inspire me to continue this practice of constant praise tomorrow.
I pray in the name of Your Son and my Savior Jesus Christ, AMEN.