It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High ~ Psalms 92:1.
Introduction: If you take a moment to reflect on this passing year, you will likely recall some bittersweet memories, the continued political upheavals, the insecurity challenges, the global health uncertainties, and so on.
But in the midst of all these, we must not be unmindful of God’s daily provisions, His supernatural defense, His guiding light, His timely exemptions from common evils and His sure mercies to us, which must be joyfully appreciated. No act of God should be taken for granted.
Praising God naturally provokes in us great capacity for supernatural adventures, and provides us with a breakthrough edge on our journeys of destiny. Real praise is pivotal to all believers’ blessings, and it gives us an unusual access to the ways and the wonders of God.
However, real praise is more than joining the bandwagon to dance and utter some mere words with musical anecdotes. Real quality praise involves acknowledging and appreciating the Almighty God for specific details of His redemptive acts in your life, between you and Him. This may involve you speaking, singing and dancing before God to show appreciation for what He has done for you.
Praising God also entails testifying of His goodness in the congregation of saints and among the heathen, saying all He has done for you openly and practically. When you understand this, you will be ready to praise God anytime, anywhere, anyhow, no matter who you are.
Praise is a sacred commodity and an invisible but essential gift that man should give to God. Aptly put, praises represent the calves of our lips (Hosea 14:2; Hebrews 13:15).
Almost everybody in the Church knows about prayer as a way of gaining access to the mercy of God. However, we may never draw the best out of the great power of prayer if we do not learn to prime our spirits in God’s presence with praise.
In Acts 16, when Paul and Silas prayed for a bail-out from prison, and it seemed the answer was being delayed, they engaged the complementary power of praise. Immediately, their victory showed up, and it was both undeniable and legendary!
What would the storyline have been if Paul and Silas did not know about the switch of praise? And, what would have happened if some of our “modern-day Christians” were the ones in the shoes of Paul and Silas? They would have died in the prison, murmuring and grumbling behind the bars.
I boldly encourage you, therefore, that whenever you sense that a mysterious hand behind the scene is holding back your joy, give God praise from the bottom of your heart, the tormentors will be forced to stop their activities in your life.
God is ever glorified when we offer praises unto Him, and when He is pleased with our gratitude, we benefit immensely from His saving strength (Psalm 50:14, 23).
In Mathew 14:6-11, we read an account of what “praise-dancing” attracted to the daughter of Herodias. King Herod was celebrating his birthday, and the young damsel danced so heartily, so much so that the king became greatly pleased and he made an oath to give anything the young lady would name.
Even though what she named was not what the king would have readily wished to offer, she got it all the same. Meanwhile, the principle behind what she got is more significant that the soul of her desire.
Praise moves God, and when God is moved, His compassion and mercy follow Him to the scene of wonders (Exodus 15:11). When you dance and praise the King of kings, you can obtain anything from Him. Alleluia!
David’s Secret Triggers for Praise
For all we know, David’s name is almost synonymous with praise. He composed many of the great songs in the Bible, and He sang them at different times and circumstances, even when the enemies laid siege round about him (Psalm 3:1-3).
But, he never sang to impress anybody. At any rate, he was alone in the bush where his only companions were rodents, scorpions, lions and other wild animals.
David knew that Jehovah God is always awesome in praise, and that by praising Him, anyone could access what He alone could offer. It was this knowledge and profound appreciation of God that formed the basis for his songs, which he sang dutifully and wholeheartedly.
Meanwhile, a closer study of Psalm 92 shows that there were certain secret triggers of insight that David had, which made praising God to be naturally unending for him (Psalm 122:1). He knew there are so many things, which are clearly beyond the purchasing power of money or the reach of human influence or position, that can only be received as gifts from God through praise (James 1:17).
David alluded to three of these triggers in that Psalm, which are: anointing for triumph (verses 4-10); divine grant of his heart’s desires against his enemies (verse 11); and flourishing fruitfulness (verses 12-15).
I must emphasize that praise is extremely advantageous, any day, anywhere and in any circumstance. It provokes miraculous yields of increase, and provides a suitable ambience for tangible divine manifestations and inexplicable victories (Psalm 67:5-7; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; 20:22).
Praising God also guarantees covenant empowerment plus supernatural enrichment (2 Chronicles 1:6-7). It assures divine direction, all-round favour and supernatural bail-out from all forms of satanic snares (Acts 2:47; 13:2; 16:25-26).
I have personally witnessed God re-fixing failing teeth and jaw, restoring calmness to a deranged mind and subduing demonic enchantments, all in an atmosphere of praise. Indeed, there is nothing that we need that God cannot supply when we reposition ourselves under His mercy and compassion though praise.
Everybody can praise God in terrains of fair weather, particularly in Church premises. But, only grace-filled souls can praise God in ominous circumstances. It is imperative, therefore, that we receive this grace and keep praise flowing ceaselessly in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
We are guided in scriptures that we should offer praises to God exuberantly, with everything available to us: clapping, harping, shouting, giving, and singing everywhere wholeheartedly (Psalm 47:1; 9:1-2; 149:5).
Friends and brethren, re-invest your joy today for greater benefits tomorrow through vigorous praise, acknowledging the wonders of the Most High in your life (Ephesians 5:18-20; Philippians 3:1; James 5:13).
Gratitude is a smart secret button that guarantees lifting. Please be motivated to praise God continually, and the profits accruable to praising Him will be attracted to you ceaselessly (Jeremiah 17:14). Shout Alleluia. Happy Sunday!
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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