Praise Him

Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice. (Phil. 4:4)

Somehow we find it easy to praise the Lord when when our circumstances are favourable or when we are experiencing joy. It is much more difficult to offer praise when we face our worst nightmares and it seems as if the very foundation of our world is crumbling away. Yet it is at such times that we need to praise the Lord as praise is a wonderful way of keeping our faith alive. It is when we are having our 'down in the valley' experiences that praise is able to lift us back to the mountain top.

So, how do we rejoice always? How do we praise the Lord when we are experiencing pain, the loss of a loved one, financial embarrassment, social oppression, loss of a job, and the list goes on? First of all we must recognize that praise is an act of faith. We praise God , not because we feel happy but becaise of the truth of who God is and what He has promised us.

Here are some benefits of praise:

• Praise brings down walls. (Joshua 5:13-6:20)
• Praise opens doors of deliverance and transforms the lives of people around us. (Acts 16:16-34)
• Praise conquers battles. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)

When the towering walls seem to hide your husband, children, or neighbours from view remember the crumbling of the wall of Jericho in response to praise. When circumstances seem to have you bound remember the opening of the prison doors in response to the praise of Paul andf Silas. Finally, my friends, when the battle rages around you and there seems to be no hope remember Jehoshaphat, who appointed singers to sing praises as they faced a great army. At the sound of praises that great army self-destructed.

Keep your eye of faith on Jesus, 'You have nothing to fear for the future unless you forget how God has led you in the past.' (Paraphrased from my favourite writer)

Praise Him for He is worthy.

Blessings!