vs.1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
–> To bless the LORD is to acknowledge that He is the abundant giver of all blessings. Because He continually blesses me, my response should be continual praise.
vs.2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
–> The more we learn about our weaknesses, the more we appreciate who our LORD is. In Him we boast because it is He who provides for us, satisfies our hearts, gives us strength, fulfills our deepest longings, loves us like no other, etc. This causes us to grow in humility; others who are growing in humility will see and understand, which brings gladness in our amazing LORD.
vs.3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!
–> As we experience the love, provision, blessings, power, strength, mercy, grace, faithfulness, etc. of our LORD, our response should be to magnify and exalt Him. A person’s name has to do with their reputation. When remembering what the LORD has done, we are able to exalt His name because we see His faithfulness to us. Even in dark times we are able to exalt His name when we remember what He has done.
vs.4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
–> God is more powerful than anything we fear; when we trust and hope in His strength, power, and greatness, we are delivered from all our fears. This fear is transformed into a healthy fear of the LORD (this is explained in later verses–7,9,11).
vs.5 Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
–> What you look to is a reflection of your dependency. When we look to El Shaddai, our all-sufficient God, we will be radiant. He never disappoints, and the joy and blessings He gives are greater than anything else we could desire.
vs.6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
–> Again we are reminded that in our weakness and need, the LORD is mighty to save. He is also faithful to hear our cries and to deliver us. We can depend on Him!