Praise Him!

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness (Psalm 48:1).

Our God is great and greatly to be praised. He delights in our praises. As new creations we're those He has sanctified and separated unto Himself to worship Him: "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."(Philippians 3:3). Irrespective of the circumstances around us; whether or not we feel like it, the praise of God is continually in our mouths.

How important it is for you to learn to praise the Lord in spite of adversity. When you sing the Lord's praise, His glory is revealed, not only in your life, but also to your environment (Judges 5:1-7). In 2 Chronicles 20:1-22 for example, the nation of Judah had been surrounded by the armies of three nations, determined to destroy them and take over their land. But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was a wise king. He called together all the people of Judah and proclaimed a fast.

As they fasted and prayed, the Lord gave them the strategy for battle. On the day of battle, Jehoshaphat put singers in front of the army. The Bible records that "...And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten" (2 Chronicles 20:22). Through the power of praise, they discomfited their adversary.

Consider also the inspiring account of Paul and Silas chronicled for us in Acts 6. They had been imprisoned for preaching the Gospel and had their hands and feet bound in stocks. Then at midnight; at that dark and lonely moment of their lives, they began to sing praises to God: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26).

It doesn't matter what challenging situation you might be facing right now, praise the Lord anyhow! Glorify Him from the depths of your heart and His power will be activated in your behalf. You might have been praying about a specific condition, it's now time to praise Him. Do it lavishly, for He deserves it, and as you do, you'll see His power move on you like never before.

CONFESSION

I will praise you O Lord, my wonderful Saviour; with my whole heart will I show forth your marvelous works and declare your greatness. I rejoice in you O Lord most high, for you're the only true and wise God! Thank you for making my life beautiful, and for crowning me with victory and success, all the days of my life. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   September 28, 2011

-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome