MAGNIFY HIM AND BEHOLD HIS MERCY

Title: MAGNIFY HIM AND BEHOLD HIS MERCY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 34:1-4
Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:1-5, Lamentations 3:22-23, Luke 1:46-50, 1 Chronicles 16:34, Hebrews 4:16

INTRODUCTION:
To magnify God is to lift Him up, to exalt His name, and to recognise His greatness in every situation. When we magnify Him, we focus less on our problems and more on His power and mercy. Psalm 34 speaks of magnifying the Lord and experiencing His deliverance, mercy, and faithfulness. This message will explore what it means to magnify God and how, in doing so, we position ourselves to behold His mercy.

1. MAGNIFYING GOD THROUGH PRAISE

a) Exalting His Name:
Lifting up God’s name in praise shows our reverence and reminds us of His sovereignty (Psalm 34:1).

b) Praise as a Response to His Goodness:
Recognising the blessings we receive daily leads us to worship Him continually (Psalm 103:1-2).

c) Choosing to Praise in All Circumstances:
Even in trials, choosing to magnify God brings peace and assurance (Philippians 4:4).

d) Praise Reflects Our Trust in His Power:
When we magnify Him instead of our problems, we affirm that He is greater than any challenge (Isaiah 25:1).

Biblical Example: King David praised God fervently after his victory over Goliath, declaring God’s greatness (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

2. MAGNIFYING GOD IN OUR DAILY LIVES

a) Living with Gratitude:
An attitude of gratitude magnifies God by acknowledging His daily mercies (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

b) Reflecting His Character in Our Actions:
Our conduct and kindness reveal God’s love to others, glorifying Him (Matthew 5:16).

c) Speaking of His Wonders to Others:
Sharing testimonies and declaring God’s goodness encourages others to trust in Him (Psalm 66:16).

d) Relying on His Strength, Not Ours:
Humility and dependence on God’s power magnify Him as our true source of strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Biblical Example: Mary magnified the Lord with her song of praise, proclaiming His mercy and greatness (Luke 1:46-50).

3. BEHOLDING HIS MERCY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

a) Finding Comfort in God’s Mercy:
In trials, God’s mercy sustains us, reminding us of His compassion (Lamentations 3:22-23).

b) Deliverance from Fear and Trouble:
God’s mercy is evident when He delivers us from fears and anxieties, as David experienced (Psalm 34:4).

c) God’s Mercy Transforms Our Circumstances:
His mercy turns situations around, bringing joy in place of sorrow (Psalm 30:5).

d) Mercy as a Path to Forgiveness:
Through God’s mercy, we receive forgiveness and restoration (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son experienced his father’s mercy and was restored, reflecting God’s boundless mercy (Luke 15:20-24).

4. THE BLESSINGS OF MAGNIFYING GOD

a) Renewed Strength and Joy:
Worship brings strength and joy as we behold God’s mercy (Nehemiah 8:10).

b) Divine Favour and Protection:
Those who magnify God experience His favour and shelter (Psalm 5:11-12).

c) Increased Faith in God’s Promises:
Focusing on God strengthens our faith and expectation of His goodness (Romans 10:17).

d) Closer Fellowship with God:
Worship draws us nearer to God, fostering intimacy with Him (James 4:8).

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas magnified God through worship in prison, which led to their miraculous deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).

5. ENCOUNTERING GOD’S MERCY THROUGH PRAYER

a) Approaching God’s Throne Boldly:
God invites us to come to Him with confidence to obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16).

b) Confessing and Surrendering to Him:
Repentance and humility draw us into His mercy and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

c) Expressing Dependence on His Mercy:
When we acknowledge our need for God’s mercy, He responds compassionately (Psalm 51:1).

d) Praying with Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving opens our hearts to see God’s mercy in all things (Philippians 4:6).

Biblical Example: The tax collector’s humble prayer received God’s mercy, unlike the self-righteous Pharisee (Luke 18:13-14).

CONCLUSION:
Magnifying God shifts our focus from our challenges to His greatness and mercy. By choosing to exalt Him, we position ourselves to experience His compassion and provision in deeper ways. In every season, let us choose to magnify the Lord, and we will behold His mercy as He delivers, sustains, and blesses us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to magnify You above all circumstances in my life.

2. Father, let my heart overflow with praise and thanksgiving.

3. Lord, open my eyes to see Your mercy and faithfulness daily.

4. Father, deliver me from all fears and grant me peace.

5. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your mercy and goodness.

6. Father, help me to live in gratitude, recognising Your blessings.

7. Lord, strengthen my faith as I focus on Your greatness.

8. Father, let my worship draw me closer to You each day.

9. Lord, fill my heart with joy as I exalt Your holy name.

10. Father, may Your mercy continue to speak for me and my household.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that as I magnify the Lord, His mercy shall surround me.

2. I decree that God’s mercy will deliver me from every fear and trouble.

3. My heart will continually praise the Lord, and I shall experience His joy.

4. The mercy of God will preserve me and bring me favour.

5. I declare that my life shall reflect God’s goodness and compassion.

6. God’s mercy shall turn every sorrow into joy in my life.

7. As I lift up His name, God will elevate me and answer my prayers.

8. My praises shall be a testimony that draws others to Christ.

9. I declare that I will dwell in God’s mercy all the days of my life.

10. The Lord’s mercy shall open new doors of blessings for me and my family.

May we all choose to magnify Him and behold His abundant mercy in every aspect of our lives.