Largest Crowd

I do not like large crowds; when I am around a large crowd I am overwhelmed by the noise, the energy, all of the different things happening at once in the different people groupings. It is horrific and takes me hours to desensitize from being drenched in a crowd for a set amount of time. Birthday parties are limited. Concerts are even more difficult because of its an even larger group setting and because most shows include strobe lighting. The name for this condition is sensory overload.

Though I do all that I can to avoid large groups, the Psalmist speaks of the largest crowd within his vantage point. In reading today’s passage, he isn’t necessarily speaking of a specific large group gathering, but rather a response to God and His faithfulness. As a result of God’s deliverance, there will be an overflow of gladness and every part of the Psalmist’s being will shout praise to the Lord. The Psalmist describes praising God wherever he goes. The Psalmist speaks of finding the largest crowd possible to shout for the Lord. The Psalmist also speaks of the inability to hold in his praise.

Think about this passage. Consider what the Psalmist is saying. Everywhere he goes, he will praise God. He will find the largest crowd so that he can praise God before them so the people will all hear of the goodness of God. The Psalmist also speaks of the inability to hold his praise inside. Let this passage marinate longer. Do you praise God everywhere you go? Do you have a desire to give God praise and glory all the time? Are you in a place in life where you cannot hold in your praise?

“Then my fears will dissolve into limitless joy; my whole being will overflow with gladness because of your mighty deliverance. Everything inside of me will shout it out: ‘There’s no one like you, Lord!’ For look at how you protect the weak and helpless from the strong and heartless who oppress them. Then I will praise you wherever I go.  And when everyone gathers for worship, I will lift up your praise with a shout in front of the largest crowd I can find! Then I won’t be able to hold it in— everyone will hear my joyous praises all day long! Your righteousness will be the theme of my glory-song of praise! – Psalm 35:9-10, 18, 28 [TPT]