We see in (Acts 16: 16-36) from the experience of Paul and Silas that
Praise is one of the greatest tools used in defeating the enemy. Their joyful
singing didn’t go unnoticed as the prisoners themselves began to listen. But
more importantly, their worship reached the ears of the father who delighted in
their sacrifice of thanksgiving and delighted in their praise. As a result, one
prison guard and his entire family were saved that night with the gift of
salvation and eternal life. Praise is a powerful weapon, many times in the Old
testament, when Gods people would go into battle, they would send out the
‘Worshippers’ first. That is because praise precedes victory, which is why the
enemy loves to silence the tongue of a worshipper.
What is praise?
Praise is more than just singing songs; it is a ‘heart
attitude’. It’s not uncommon for praise in ones heart to prompt singing, but it
can also manifest in many different ways such as our words and actions like
telling others about the things God does. And it’s a whole lot more than lip
service. This is not to say that the effect of ‘singing’ is in anyway reduced.
I once read that ‘God created music and the composer only arranges it’. God is
a great lover of music. Ps 100:2 urges us to ‘serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing’. In many instances, music is a natural
expression of one’s joy and can also add meaning to a message by affecting the
hearer through emotions. I remember a few years ago, on the day of my brothers
graduation, I was waiting in a room with a friend who began to sing praises to
God. A few seconds into the song, the stone faced receptionist began to smile.
It really touched me because we had all been in that room for at least 30mins
before he began to sing, and all through that time, the receptionist had been
frowning and irritable. Heartfelt praise is a very beautiful thing.
Sacrifice of praise
‘Sacrifice means to give up or offer something of value we
would rather hold on to’. As humans, we find ourselves ‘being thankful’ in good
times. When life is good, praise and thanksgiving flow freely from ones heart,
then comes darker times and praise doesn’t flow as easily. However as
Christians, these are the times when we need to praise God the most. Praise
helps us focus on what God is going to do in our life, rather than keep
focusing on the not so good happening in one’s life.....This is our sacrifice
of praise. You may not feel like praising the Lord at every given instant of
the day, but enough sin has probably been committed to require an burnt
offering for atonement every instant of the day, but Good in his infinite mercy
has rendered a burnt offering unnecessary. A few questions to think about;
How often each day do you praise him?
How often each day do you prise him when you don’t feel like?
How often each day do you praise him for dying on the cross
for you?
So I urge you my brothers and sisters, as you go through your
day, take time to acknowledge God. Remember to put him first and continually
offer him praise. As praise goes up, his blessings, peace, joy and strength
come down and overtake every area of your life. Also remember God wants our
all, if we live in love and obedience to him, our songs- the fruit of our lips-
will be a pleasing sacrifice of praise.
Be First to Post Comment !
Post a Comment