In 1 Samuel 21:10-15 (the context of Psalm 34), David barely escaped from King Achish (Abimelech of the Philistines) by feigning madness. David knew that it was God who had spared him and his men. Thus, he wanted to “magnify” (Ps 34:3, meaning: to talk big of) the LORD. Talking big of the LORD will have the following impact:

1 Impact on others (Ps 34:4-8): When David’s men saw him delivered, they “were lightened … not ashamed” (Ps 34:5). David knew he was a poor man and yet the Lord saved him (Ps 34:6). He magnified God by testifying of God’s protection, and encouraged others to trust Him (Ps 34:7-8). David’s desire to magnify God in his life continued even after he became king of Israel. There were times when he did not talk big of God, but sinned against Him. When we magnify God, others can be encouraged to trust God. But when we magnify ourselves, it can only result in jealousy and envy.

2 Impact on self (Ps 34:10-14): In magnifying God, we know we will lack nothing and we will fear Him (Ps 34:9-10). Fearing God will lead us to guard our tongue, to depart from evil and to seek peace (Ps 34:12-14). We will desire to have godly friends and to attend spiritual activities of the church. Parents especially are to attend these activities, thereby encouraging their children to attend by their example and word. We must know that everything that we have (mental capability, abilities, body, etc) are all given by God, and everything we have (time, possessions, etc) belongs to Him. There is really nothing for us to talk big about ourselves. Our magnifying God will have an impact on us. We will walk right with the LORD every day. We will be watchful over our self as our worldly desires may resurface when we allow the lures of the world to tempt us.

3 Impact on our enemies (Ps 34:15-22): In magnifying God, we will also impact our enemies who would persecute us. But God knows (Ps 34:15) and will deliver (Ps 34:16-22). Physical deliverance may not happen all the time, but God will grant spiritual deliverance. For thousands who died as martyrs throughout church history, God kept them faithful to Him to the end of their earthly lives.

In this new year, let us magnify the LORD in all areas of our life. Examine each area and determine to live increasingly more for Him. The more we magnify Him, the less we will talk big about ourselves. John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”