DAY – 12
ELOHAY – TEHILATI
" My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent"
(Ps 109:1)
Praise is an integral part of the Christian life. The word "praise" appears 300 times in the Old Testament alone, the majority of which are in Psalms. What exactly is "Praise"?
Praise is a way of expressing one's respect and gratitude to God, especially in song. It is also a way of admiring how big and great God is. Why do we need to give thanks to God? First and foremost, we thank God because it is our essential mandate and not an option. Praise the Lord, all who have breath! (Ps 105:6).
Furthermore, His presence is particularly strong in the atmosphere of Praise. "God is enthroned upon the praises of Israel," says the Bible (Ps 22:3). Consequently, praise is a powerful weapon against the devil. Satan Lucifer was a Praise Leader who was cast out of Heaven and doomed to eternal darkness because he desired to be God (Is 14). Since then, he has despised praise because it reminds him of what he has lost and cannot be reclaimed.
Let us take a look at the life of "The King Who Won the War by Praising God."
Jehoshaphat was the King of Judah mentioned in King David's genealogy. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in the footsteps of his father David. (2 Chronicles 17:3) As Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and dedicated his heart to the Lord's ways, the Lord established the Kingdom under his (Jehoshaphat's) control. During his reign, a vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and Me unites came to fight against Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat, alarmed, cried out to God, saying, "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us." We don't know what to do, but our gaze is fixed on You" (2chr 20:12). As the prayer was being said, the Holy Spirit descended on Jahaziel and a few others in the congregation, and they encouraged the people with God's words, saying, "For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2chr 20:15). After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to Sing to the Lord and Praise Him for the Glory of His Holiness early in the morning. "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever," the men sang. "As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the invading men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, and they were all defeated by killing themselves."
When the men of Judah arrived at the vantage point overlooking the desert and looked back at the vast army, they saw only dead bodies on the ground; no one escaped. So, when Jehoshaphat and his men went to take their plunder, they discovered a large amount of equipment and clothing, as well as valuable articles - far more than they could carry away. There was so much to loot that it took them three days to collect it all. The men of Judah and their King rejoiced as they returned to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them a reason to rejoice over their enemies. They arrived in Jerusalem and proceeded to the Lord's Temple, carrying harps, lyres, and trumpets. When the surrounding Kingdoms heard how the Lord had fought against Israel's enemies, they were filled with dread. He brought peace to the kingdom of Jehoshaphat, and his God granted him rest on all sides.
Dear God's Children, "The God I Praise, please do not remain silent," David prays. Praise is one way we can get God to move in our lives. Unlike in churches, where we praise God, worshipping Him should include private times between you and God. We have so much to thank God for, and there is greater power in honoring Him. The Bible is replete with examples of praise in which we see His power manifested - life-changing miracles, dramatic stories of the enemy being stopped or defeated, and hearts being changed and drawn closer to Him.
Every day of our lives, we have a choice. Either to be consumed by stress and worries or to gaze upon the Creator who holds us in His hands. God wants our whole hearts. He desires for us to experience the Power of His Presence in our lives. He wishes to bless us in ways we cannot imagine. With our praises, let us draw closer to Him. Amen!!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for being who You are. We thank You for selecting us to be Your people. We thank You for all of the wonderful blessings You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for providing for all of our needs following Your richest Glory. We thank You for guiding and protecting us. We thank You for Your unwavering love for us. Father, please help us to praise You more and to draw closer to You. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!!
Comments