Psalm 34:1
I will bless The Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth…
DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; 1 Kings 12:32-13:34; Joel 1
In the 1800s, a little Austrian town was to be attacked by 18,000 soldiers led by the French General George Muller Massena. Orders had come from the French leader Napoleon, to capture this town because of its military importance. As the army were gearing up for their invasion, the stunned citizens of this little town were terrified, knowing they were about to be beaten, killed or sold into slavery. The town council had nearly decided to surrender, when the old dean of the church reminded them that it was Easter and begged them to hold services as usual and to leave the trouble in God’s hands. This they did, figuring their only defense was direct intervention from God. They put on their Sunday’s best, and went to Church to praise and worship The Lord. And as they usually do on Easter days they rang the church bells joyfully.
When services ended, these Austrians opened their church doors only to be met by a surprising sight. The entire French battalion had vacated! It turned out that the French General Massena incorrectly confused the ringing of the church bells for Easter service with what he thought was the announcement of the arrival of the entire Austrian army. The city was saved, and Christ was glorified.
Exodus 15:11 declares that God is glorious in holiness, and fearful in praises, doing wonders. Indeed there is deliverance power in praise. The wonder working power of God is often seen in the midst of praises. When we ring the joy bells in the face of troubles and trials, God’s power to deliver arises. In 2 Chronicles 20, when king Jehoshaphat was outnumbered by enemies, he engaged the weapon of joy. As God arose for his deliverance the enemies were destroyed. It takes praise to engage God’s Presence. When we engage in praise, God comes down. And when God steps into our affairs, He takes over the battle.
Praise moves God into action. Though God is everywhere, He does not work everywhere. For God to step in, we must embark on praise.
When praise is on, God is up. And when God arises mountains and obstacles are moved, prison gates are flung open and captives set free.
Isaiah 51:11 says ‘Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away’
When we create an atmosphere of praise, God comes to inhabit it. And because in His Presence is fullness of joy, therefore everything that causes sorrow has to flee away. When God appears every devil disappears. Just as light and darkness cannot cohabit, the enemy cannot stand your praise.
Let us therefore keep praising God, no matter the situation or circumstance. In everything let us keep thanking Him. Indeed God has done marvelously well for us this year. He has fought battles for us, seen and unseen. He has slain goliaths and parted red seas for us. He has made a way where there seemed to be no way. Let us therefore, like the one leper, return to bless Him for His miracles we have seen this year. And like David, let us bless The Lord at all times, and may His Praise continually be in our mouth.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank and praise You. Indeed You have done all things well for me. As this year comes to a conclusion, I have come like the one leper to tell You ‘thank You’ for all Your faithfulness towards me and my family. Indeed I am grateful. Forever, may Your praise flow continually from my mouth in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE
Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORDBITE 222.
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]