When our hearts are heavy and the answers have not yet come, praise may not be our first response. We can become so focused on what we need God to do that we forget to rest in who He is. Praise turns our attention toward Him. Before the circumstances change, we can remember His character, declare His faithfulness, and worship the One who holds us.
Praise is adoration of God for who He is: His person, His character, His names. It is loving God because He is God. Scripture calls us again and again to praise Him, because He is altogether lovely, holy, and completely worthy of our worship.
Reasons to praise
Praise is the atmosphere of the throne room of heaven. Rev. 4
Praise welcomes us to enter His presence with thanksgiving.
Ps. 100
We are created for praise. Eph. 1:12; Isa. 43:21
We are saved to praise. Ps. 106:47
God delights in the praises of His people. Ps. 149:1, 4
God inspires praise. Ps. 40:3
God is worthy of praise. Ps. 29
God calls us to praise continually and to exalt His name together. Ps. 34:1, 3
Jesus taught us to honor the Father’s name. Matt. 6:9
Praise is the God-given garment in exchange for a spirit of heaviness. Isa. 61:3
Giving glory to God strengthens our faith. Rom. 4:20-21
You may be facing a battle today. Praise is a spiritual weapon, an expression of trust in God before we see His victory or deliverance. Throughout Scripture, we see God act with power as His people worship Him.
Look at these biblical examples.
Joshua 5:14-15; 6:2
Joshua bowed in worship, and God later told him that Jericho was already in his hands. As the Israelites marched around the city, they walked in obedience to the victory God had promised.
Judges 7:15
Gideon bowed in worship, returned to his camp, and called his men to arise because God had given the enemy into their hands.
2 Chronicles 20:22
When the people began singing and praising, God acted against their enemies. They had not even reached the battlefront when He brought the victory. The battle belonged to Him.
Acts 16:25-26
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns in prison. Suddenly a violent earthquake shook the foundations. The prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
There are times when, having brought our petitions to God, we need to persevere in praise. Why?
Because praise lifts our eyes to God. We take our eyes off people and stop struggling only on the human level. We focus our spiritual eyes on God and see beyond ourselves and our problem. We remember His infinite ability, His presence with us, and His sovereignty. Praise stirs up our faith to stand in His mighty name.
Because the adversary does not have the final word. God has already pronounced judgment against evil. We can trust His justice and rest in His authority. The psalmist joins the praises of God with confidence in the judgments He has written. Ps. 149:6-9
Because praise acknowledges the victory Christ has already won. Jesus is far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that can be named, both now and in the age to come. Eph. 1:20-21. His victory over Satan was accomplished at Calvary. We praise from the assurance that our risen Savior reigns.
Whatever you are facing today, pause to remember who God is. He is faithful. He is holy. He is near. You do not have to deny the difficulty to declare His goodness. Bring Him your weary heart, and let praise give voice to your trust while you wait.
Pray this way
Father, we declare that You are greater than anything we face. You are bigger than every problem, stronger than every enemy, and mightier than every force that comes against us. No power can overthrow Your authority. No darkness can overcome Your light. Nothing can separate us from Your love.
We lift our voices in praise to You, our mighty Warrior and faithful Father. The battle belongs to You. Jesus, You have triumphed over the enemy, and we stand in Your victory. We will not give fear the final word. We will declare Your greatness, trust Your promises, and praise Your holy name. You reign over all, now and forever. Amen.
From Prayer Portions, page 115-16
