Why Do We Praise God?
I’ve read it several times before, but it was as if it leaped off the page this week as I was studying.
In fact, this one story has been “following me” around all week…
As I listened to Christian radio…
In my prayer times…
While reading the Bible…
And, even while driving around town.
What is this story that has challenged my heart all week? Click To Tweet
Let me share it with you from Scripture.
It’s found in the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 20.
As God’s people are facing an onslaught–an incredible battle–from neighboring countries all around them, a curious thing happens.
The king (Jehosophat) begins to pray and seek the Lord.
And, God assures him (and the people) that He will deliver them, and they won’t even have to fight.
They are to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
As instructed by God, the king sets up a group of men in the front of the assembly to sing and to praise the Lord.
And, here is what happened when the men begin to praise and sing.
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.”
(2 Chron. 20:22, NLT)
At the very moment, the exact moment they began to sing and praise God, God gave them the victory!
And, then it hit me!
This can, could, and should be true in our lives as well.
Our praise can bring about great victories in our lives.
Our praise can bring about great victories in our lives. Click To Tweet
In fact, He scoots in closer to us when we praise Him.
He draws up really close!
The Bible tells us He inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)
Our heartfelt singing and worship make Satan want to slink away.
He abhors praise and worship!
“Satan is allergic to praise, so where there is massive triumphant praise, Satan is paralyzed, bound, and banished.”
Paul Billheimer
Our heartfelt singing and worship make Satan want to slink away. Click To Tweet
Praise helps us to lift our eyes off of ourselves and everything that is going on around us and place it on our Savior.
Praise makes us look up!
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But, if you look at God you’ll be at rest.”
Corrie Ten Boom
Praise helps us to lift our eyes off of ourselves and everything that is going on around us and place it on our Savior. Click To Tweet
Over and over, I’ve seen this happen both in Scripture and in my own life.
Anytime, anywhere, and in any situation where there has been sweet praise, there has been a great victory.
Anytime, anywhere, and in any situation where there has been sweet praise, there has been a great victory. Click To Tweet
Speak words of adoration to the Lord.
Tell Him you love Him.
Tell Him how much you appreciate Him.
Sometimes, we don’t have the words to pray.
We can turn to the Bible for help.
Try the words of Psalm 144-150.
Grab your favorite mixtape, CD, or playlist.
Crank up Christian radio.
Turn up the music and sing!
Get a song in your head and just sing it all day long.
It can be a favorite worship song, an old hymn, or a chorus that you love.
Look up!
Focus your attention on God.
“We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
2 Chronicles 20:12, NLT
Look up! Focus your attention on God. Click To Tweet
What about you?
What do you do to add praise to your day?
Got any great suggestions?
Were you blessed by what you read?
Then, would you share this article with a friend, co-worker, or family member?
Or, maybe you can send it to a friend or family member?
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