Psalm 124:6-8 ‘Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.’
DAILY READING Matthew 27:1-31; Deuteronomy 5-6; Job 6
In March 2019, CBN News reported a miraculous occurrence that took place in Paducah, Kentucky. On March 14th, a devastating tornado had hit the city, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Amid much destruction of buildings and properties was also a church building that was in the path of the tornado.
When the dangerous twister hit, the preschool of Mount Zion Baptist Church was in full session. In the building were 40 preschool kids and 10 church staff. As the tornado intensified, the school’s director saw no other way out, and so immediately brought the 40 children into a room in the building. However, in the midst of this dangerously raging tornado which was devastating the city, the children began praising God. They sang songs like “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand.”
And miraculously, God preserved them. The room where they took shelter was the only room in the building unaffected by the tornado. The roof was ripped apart and every room in the building was left in rubbles except the room where the children were. It was amazing that with the amount of destruction the tornado caused, the children were all totally unhurt and were all safe.
Indeed God is fearful in praises. He knows how to make a way of escape for His children out of every tight situation.
Psalm 124:7-8 says, ‘Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.’
Indeed God will always make a way of escape for those who trust in Him. There is no mountain that God cannot level, no sea that He cannot dry up, and no “Jordan” that cannot be driven back for your sake when you engage His Presence, through praise. There is no situation, no matter how desperate, that God cannot handle. And any time you feel surrounded or overwhelmed, instead of panicking, switch to praise.
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat found himself in a tight corner, he was surrounded by mightier armies and it looked like there was no way of escape. In 2 Chronicles 20:12, he prayed to God, ‘We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.’
Then in 2 Chronicles 20:17, God responded, ‘Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.’
And how did they set themselves? In praises! King Jehoshaphat took the rear and allowed God to go ahead, and God took their place in battle and won the victory for them.
Whatever battle or tight situation is facing you today, God is able to handle it. The storm may be raging, but know that God is in perfect control, He indeed has the whole world in His hand. He also has the hearts of kings in His hand and is able to move them for your sake.
Once you engage in praise, you have brought God’s Presence to bear on any situation confronting you. Your praise compels Him to take over your battles, to fight on your behalf, and give you the victory.
So what is that challenge you are faced with today? Cheer up and give God worthy praise. Indeed in your praise is your victory!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for granting me the grace to praise You always and in every situation. And as I praise You today, I know You are taking over my battles and bringing me out of very tight corner to walk upon my high places in Jesus’ Name.
QUOTE
When you praise God despite your situation, power is released for a raise.