Please stand with me and lift up you Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
"A Reason to Praise"
Turn with me in your Bibles to Psalm 34 and say, "Amen' when you are there. Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:1-3 (NIV) Lets read together.
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together."
Today, I want to remind you of something powerful: Praise changes everything.
It shifts our perspective, strengthens our faith, and realigns our hearts with God's will.
In a world where we’re often overwhelmed by struggles, the truth is, we have countless reasons to praise.
Praise isn't reserved for the mountaintop moments—praise is our declaration of God's goodness, even in the valleys.
There is a deep and transformative power in praise. It's not just words; it’s an act of faith, a spiritual weapon, and a testimony to the world. And, beloved, when you lift up your praise, you unlock the very presence of God in your life, no matter what you're facing.
1. Praise is a Declaration of God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 34 begins with a powerful declaration: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
The psalmist didn’t say, “I’ll bless the Lord when things are good,” or “I’ll bless the Lord when I feel like it.”
No—he said, all times. In seasons of joy and sorrow, in moments of triumph and despair, we praise God because He is always faithful, and His goodness doesn’t change based on our circumstances.
I think of a woman I know, Ruth, who went through an incredibly difficult time when her child was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. For weeks, she sat by his bedside, praying, crying, and waiting.
There were days when the doctors gave little hope, but Ruth made a choice: she would praise God no matter what. She would walk into that hospital room every day, sing worship songs over her son, and declare God’s promises.
She wasn’t praising for the healing—she was praising because she knew God was good and faithful. And in the midst of the battle, Ruth saw God move in miraculous ways, and her son was eventually healed.
What’s your declaration today?
No matter the pain or the difficulty, remember that praise is a choice we make because of God's unchanging faithfulness.
When you praise, you’re declaring that God is good, that He is with you, and that He will bring you through.
2. Praise is a Weapon in the Battle
Praise is more than words—it’s warfare.
It’s a weapon against the enemy’s lies, fear, and discouragement.
When we praise, we release the power of God into our situations. The enemy hates it when we praise because it reminds him that no matter what, we belong to God.
Consider the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.
The king faced an overwhelming enemy—three nations coming to destroy Judah. But instead of responding with fear or anxiety, Jehoshaphat gathered the people to fast and pray, and he appointed singers to go before the army, praising God for His goodness.
As they praised, God set ambushes against the enemy, and they were utterly defeated. The battle wasn’t won by strategy, but by worship.
When you face battles—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—understand that your praise is a weapon.
It shifts the atmosphere, disarms the enemy, and invites the presence of God to work on your behalf. Don’t wait until the battle is over to praise; praise while you’re in it, and watch how God fights for you.
3. Praise is a Testimony to Others
Psalm 34:2 says, “Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
Our praise doesn’t just benefit us—it encourages those around us. When others see us choosing to praise in the midst of difficulty, they are reminded that God is still good and that there is hope even in the darkest times.
I remember hearing a testimony from a man named James. He had been addicted to drugs for years, living in the depths of despair. But one day, he encountered Jesus in a powerful way. From that moment, James made a radical decision: he would praise God, even in his brokenness.
Every day, even when his emotions felt raw, he praised God for His mercy. His praise became a living testimony to those who were also trapped in addiction. He would tell them, “If God can set me free, He can do it for you too.”
Your praise is a light in the darkness.
When people see you worshiping through your pain, they see the reality of a God who transforms lives. Your praise is a testimony that inspires others to believe for their own breakthrough. Don't underestimate the power of your worship.
4. Praise Brings Us into God's Presence
Psalm 22:3 says, “But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” When we praise, God inhabits our worship.
Praise is not just a formality; it’s a doorway into God’s presence. And when we enter His presence, we are filled with peace, hope, and the strength we need for every day.
A young man named David was once struggling with deep anxiety and fear. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t find peace. One evening, in desperation, he began to play his guitar and sing songs of praise. As he worshipped, something changed—his heart was lifted, his fears melted away, and he felt the tangible presence of God. From that moment on, David made praise a daily habit, and it became the key to his inner peace.
When you feel overwhelmed, praise invites the presence of God to come and fill you with peace. It's not just about singing songs—it's about connecting with the One who holds all things in His hands. Don’t let a day go by without lifting your heart in praise.
You have a reason to praise today, not because everything is perfect, but because God is good.
His faithfulness is unshakable, His power is unmatched, and His love is everlasting.
When you choose to praise, you’re declaring God’s sovereignty over your life and circumstances.
You’re inviting His presence, engaging in spiritual warfare, and testifying to the world of His goodness.
So, what are you waiting for? Praise Him!
Altar Call:
If you’ve been carrying a heavy burden, or if you’ve been struggling to find reasons to praise, I invite you to come forward today.
Let’s pray together, and allow the presence of God to fill you. Whether you need healing, peace, breakthrough, or simply a fresh encounter with the Lord, He is here, and He is worthy of our praise.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging Your greatness. We thank You for Your unchanging faithfulness. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we choose to praise You. We declare that You are our strength, our deliverer, and our hope. Help us to live lives of praise, to fight with praise, and to be a testimony of Your goodness to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Let’s close by lifting our voices together in praise. May this song be a declaration that no matter what we face, we will bless the Lord at all times, for He is worthy of our praise!
