Praise is a powerful weapon the Body of Christ need to be aware of. Praise has the ability and the capability to overturn any situation we think is impossible to human mind. I always advise the Church not to underestimate the time of Praise and Worship. The Word also describes that He has ordained Praise from the mouths of infants (Matthew 21:16).
If there is anything that we could offer to God it is Praise and Worship. We need to give Him the best when we offer Him the offering of Praise and Worship.
Praise and Worship is not for the people to come late to the House of God. If we have missed on giving Him the Praise and Worship we have missed out on something which we could offer Him which He desires and that which He deserves.
Paul the Apostle in writing to the Church of Thessalonians in 1 Thess 5:18 urges, " Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the Will of God for you in Christ Jesus. " The Scripture says that it is God's Will that we be filled with thanksgiving and praise to Him all the time.
Our situations should not determine praise and worship unto Him but our love for Him should. He deserves Thanksgiving and Praise even for the least thing that He has done for us. The Lord Jesus said out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). When our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and Praise and Worship it is reflected in our mouths.
One of the incidents that comes to my mind is about Apostles Paul and Silas in prison as mentioned in Acts 16:25 onwards. 03 things come to my mind which is usually adverse to a human mind.
1. Prison: Not a good place. Nor is it a comfortable place. It is meant for criminals and those who are involved in illegal activities. Yet, the Servants of God were imprisoned for the preaching of the Gospel.
2. Chains: They were in Chains. They were chained as criminals so that they would not escape. They were under constant guard.
3. The midnight hour: The midnight hour is meant for sleeping soundly. Usually that is the resting time. People would not like to get disturbed at that hour.
But what were Paul and Silas doing? The Bible states that they were singing Hymns and praising God. Praise be to God.
Time was not a hinderance for them to Praise God. Neither the chains nor the prison. As they began to sing and thank God something powerful happened there. As they were singing the Bible records that there was a powerful earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. Secondly, their chains became loose. Thirdly, the prison doors flew open. Praise unleashes the Power of God. Praise attracts Divine intervention.
It is also observed in 2 Chronicles 20 that the Ammonites and the Moabites went to wage war against King Jehoshaphat. The King was startled as their army was too vast when compared to his own. He sought the Lord in fasting and praying. The Word of the Lord was released and instructions received from God is worth striking. Jehoshaphat obeyed the Word and acted on it. He placed the musicians and the singers in the front and the people with arms and ammunition at the rear side. Remember they were out to fight a battle and that is not how wars are fought. Something wonderful is witnessed there. As they marched against the enemy camp they also shouted thanksgiving and praises unto the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. As they offered thanksgiving unto God there was confusion in the enemies camp. They fled in different directions thereby giving victory to King Jehoshaphat. Indeed, praise prevails where human minds fail.
The walls of Jericho came tumbling down even as the people shouted praises unto God.
This day my prayer is that even as you identify the walls of Jericho in your life take up your positions to just thank and praise Him for who He is and see the deliverance of the Lord coming upon you.
God bless you abundantly !!!
