To praise someone is to extol, glorify or honor him/her. One definition that really sums it up for me is: “to go into raptures over.” I love that! Doesn’t that accurately describe a state of exuberance? Can you see yourself jumping up and down, screaming and laughing over some great feat your favorite team has performed or the prize you’ve won?
Privilege equals freedom. Being able to let go and shout and not be concerned about what you sound like or what impression you may be giving to others. You just don’t care because you are so happy and you just want to express it to those who deserve it. You may have had a difficult day or facing terrible circumstanced. But right at this moment you’re free and full of joy!
Isn’t that the way you are with God – every day – praising Him for all His goodness? Oh?? You mean you don’t get excited about Him every day? You don’t feel like praising because your husband/wife got up grumpy, the kids are screaming, and you have a humungous headache? Maybe you’re lying in a hospital bed in pain and anguish and praise is just not in your vocabulary.
Let me tell you a story that happened to me. My husband, Jack, who had just begun to rally from a coma, brain surgery, and a month-long stint in Intensive Care, suddenly experienced a drastic turn for the worst. The chain of events those eight hours had practically plunged me in despair. The whole ordeal had taken its toll on me and this was just about the last straw I could bear. How I got home that evening only God knows. My eyes were bloodshot from crying and I was ready to just curl up and have a pity party.
As I opened the front door I was greeted with Praise music! Here were my two daughters and their fiancées standing around the CD player, singing songs of praise at the top of their lungs. They, too, had a difficult day dealing with dad’s medical crash while balancing studies and work schedules. What a present … and what a Presence! Very soon in that anointed atmosphere my spirits lifted and I was singing along lustily, praising God for His goodness and Love. He deserves our praise at all times.
“Praise God in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his power, praise him for his mighty acts, praise him according to his excellent greatness.. let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” (Ps. 150) Don’t praise Him only when you feel like it; praise Him because He is your Lord, Saviour and Deliverer. Praise Him because He deserves it whether you feel like it or not. “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds.” (Ps. 149:5) Yes, on your bed – even when you’re too tired or too desperately sick! Why? Because: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength; and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. For the Lord is our defence; and the holy one of Israel shall be our king.” (Ps. 89:15-18)
Take it from me. You may need a little help to get started with praise in the midst of your circumstances – as I did. But WOW, what a true privilege it is to have the weapon of praise! Yes, it is a weapon. When you start praising the Lord, the devil flees, the anointing of God comes down and your reward is joy and healing. Be sure to invest in some Praise CDs. They’re a great catalyst to stir up a song within you.
