Boasting!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

"I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
 My soul will boast in the LORD.
 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:1-3

A sense of gratitude to God for his mercies will ever abide in some measure on the soul of a true believer.

Ungodly men love to boast about themselves. There is no unsaved man who has not some imaginary excellencies whereof to brag. If they possess any natural endowment either of mind or body, they are forward to bring it into notice, and to arrogate some praise to themselves on account of it.

One values herself upon her beauty,
another boasts of his strength or courage,
another prides himself in his wealth,
another displays his wit, or mental acumen.

The godly, on the other hand, "boast in the Lord". They know, by bitter experience, that in themselves dwells no good thing. They have done nothing, but what furnishes matter for the deepest humiliation. But they see in God multitudinous matters to excite their devoutest adoration. Whether they contemplate:
  the perfections of God's nature,
  or the works of His hands,
  or the wonders of His providence,
  or the riches of His grace—
they are filled with wonder and astonishment; and, pouring contempt on all created excellencies, they exclaim, "Who is like You O God—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders!" Exodus 15:11
 
Yet the godly are not so free from pride, but that flattery sometimes finds access to their hearts, and proves a gratification to their gullible minds. But in their better seasons, when their airy dreams have vanished, and they obtain juster views of themselves—they most sincerely loath and abhor themselves, and desire that God alone should be exalted. Then, to be told of their own goodness is nauseous and unpalatable; but to hear the praises of their God and Savior—this is delightful to their souls!

None shall ever join the celestial choir above, whose hearts have not been tuned to sing God's praise below!

"This is what the LORD says:
'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom,
 or the strong man boast of his strength,
 or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD!" Jeremiah 9:23-24