Magnify The Lord With Me

(Psalm 34:3 ESV) Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!

This is a very familiar passage of Scripture. It is frequently used by worship leaders to illicit a thankful response from congregations as they enter into corporate worship. The Psalmist meant it both as a reminder of God’s goodness and an invitation to acknowledge Him publicly. In fact, this entire chapter is full of references to the overwhelming greatness of God.

The idea that we could somehow magnify God is an interesting thought indeed. The dictionary defines magnify as, “to make (something) appear larger.” It further states, “to increase the importance or effect of something.” To apply that definition to this Scripture means we are to maker God appear bigger than He is. While it is impossible to actually make God bigger, it is possible for us to cause Him to appear larger by the way we perceive Him. It has been said, “We can’t make God bigger than He already is, but we can see Him bigger!”

I love the words of Job in Chapter 42, verse 5. After having come through the trial of his life, he declares, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” The implication is that Job’s view of God is now magnified. He had spent a lifetime hearing about God, but he now possesses first hand knowledge of His character.

The Psalmist also asks us to exalt His name. To exalt means, “raise to a higher rank or a position of greater power.” Once again, it is impossible for us to promote God to a higher place of authority, or to grant Him additional power. He already is higher and more powerful than any other. With that said, we can choose to give Him greater influence in our lives by using the power He has authorized to use in His name.

Finally, we must acknowledge the desire of the Psalmist for this to be done corporately. Notice the usage of the words “with me” and “together.” I love spending time with the Lord. Just us. Alone in the quiet of the morning. A cup of coffee in one hand and my Bible in the other. But, there is something special that takes place when the body of Christ gathers together to worship God. The Psalmist knew that!

So, will you join me today? Right where you are, in whatever circumstance you’re facing, look higher! Raise your level of expectation. Convince yourself that God is bigger, greater, and more powerful than anything you will face today. There is an old song that says,

Bigger than all my problems, Bigger than all my fears.
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see.
Bigger than all my questions, Bigger than anything.
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see.

And to that, I simply add, amen!

PRAYER: Father, my prayer for today is simply to see you as You are. If I can do that, then I will not be intimidated by anything that this life can throw at me. Because I will know You are bigger. Thank You Lord! Amen.