November 9, When You Praise…
Offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. Hebrews 13:15
There is power in our acknowledgement that above all else God is worthy of our worship and praise. And this power is realized as the Holy Spirit urges our soul toward the glory of God in Christ and beckons that we worship Him accordingly.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
“Through Him” references our relationship with Jesus and becomes the way into God’s presence with our praise. Using the language of the Old Testament ceremonial system, our praise unto God expresses a sacrifice of praise that renders our words as the actual offering upon the alter – “the fruit of the lips.” How incredible is the invitation to come to God in the name of Jesus to personally give Him our praise! Regardless of whether the words of praise are brought by one or one thousand, there is power when we praise, for God is enthroned in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).
Therefore, when we genuinely praise our God and glorify the name of Jesus, we set forth the following in our lives of faith - consider five results of effectual praise:
1. Praise moves our focus off self and places our attention consistently upon God. Although our natural tendency is selfishness, He is worthy of praise and bringing Him glory represents the priority of our lives.
"And my tongue shall speak of your righteousness and of your praise all day long." Psalm 35:28
2. Praise brings us to an appropriate lowness (humility). As we praise God, our Creator and King, we grow small in humility as we make much of Him.
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:2-3
3. Praise makes the enemy flee. Praise defeats the enemy. In the story of Jehoshaphat, God miraculously defeated the enemy because of the people’s obedience to praise Him.
“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
2 Chronicles 20:22
Do you desire to live in victory over our enemy, the devil? Live in praise unto our God and watch the enemy flee.
4. Praise removes complaining and negativity. In our praise, we are reminded of what God has already done in our lives.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” Psalm 103:2-4
5. Praise invites His presence. God dwells close to us as we praise Him. He lives there. He looks for it.
“He inhabits (He lives enthroned on) the praises of His people.” Psalm 22:3
Today, our choice remains rather simple: will we praise Him as He deserves, or will we remain consumed with the calamities around us?God desires our whole heart. His presence is open to us that we may return to Him the praise He deserves.
He longs for us to know the power of His presence over our lives. He desires to bless us more than we could imagine. His Spirit urges us onward, calling us closer. May we look up...open our mouths...and bring unto Him our offerings of praise.
Blessings.
