The Power of Praise
God speaks to us, and we not only hear Him but we also do what He says. No matter what point you are at in your life right now, be assured that you are making progress. Just as a doctor can see things in your body that you cannot, people of the Spirit can see things you don't see. Your progress may not be visible to you, but it is steady and real.
Why Is Praise More Than Just Glorifying God?
Praise is more than just an act of glorifying God. It's a weapon of warfare and a military strategy. The Bible illustrates this powerful truth through the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When three nations came against Israel, Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed. Israel's army was no match for the enemies approaching them. In desperation, he called for a fast throughout the land to pray and seek God's help. During this time of prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came upon a prophet who reassured them they would be fine.
How Did Jehoshaphat Use Praise as a Military Strategy?
After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat did something extraordinary. Instead of positioning his strongest warriors at the front of the army, he appointed singers to walk ahead, praising God. These weren't trained soldiers with bows, arrows, or swords. They were worshippers. The Bible tells us exactly what they sang: "Give thanks to the Lord. His faithful love endures forever." At the very moment they began to sing and praise, the Lord caused the enemy armies to fight among themselves. When Israel's army arrived at the lookout point, all they saw were dead bodies. Not a single enemy had escaped.
What Happens When We Praise God Genuinely?
When you praise from the depth of your heart—genuinely and intentionally—there must be a response from heaven. God moves on your behalf when you praise Him. Whatever wants to alter the course of your life, the divine will, plan, or purpose of God for your life will be dealt with by God Himself. Just as Moses spoke words that broke generational curses over the tribe of Reuben, your words of praise can break curses and alter negative pronouncements over your life. You don't counter thoughts with thoughts; you counter thoughts with words. You counter words with words.
How Can Praise Break Chains in Our Lives?
Acts 16:25-26 gives us another powerful example of praise as a weapon. Paul and Silas had been severely beaten and thrown into prison. Their hands and feet were bound, and soldiers were appointed to guard them. They were bleeding, battered, with no relief for their wounds. But at midnight—that point of transition from one day to the next—Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. The other prisoners heard them. Their praise was loud enough to be heard despite their pain and circumstances.
Then suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. The earthquake didn't target the chains or the soldiers; it went to the root of the problem—the foundation that was holding everything together. When the foundation was shaken, all the doors opened, and everyone's bonds were loosed.
Why Should We Praise Even in Difficult Circumstances?
There are processes and systems of the spirit that we must understand. The Bible says, "When men are cast down, you shall say there is a lifting up." If you're not declaring your lifting up, it's because you don't understand these spiritual systems.
You have to get to a point in your walk with God where you go beyond the pain, beyond the bruises, beyond the injury and discomfort. Look beyond the shame and disappointment and recognize that praise is your weapon. It's a kairos moment—a divinely appointed time—for you to use this spiritual strategy.
Life Application
This week, I challenge you to intentionally use praise as your weapon against whatever challenges you're facing. Don't wait until you feel like praising—praise God deliberately, especially when you don't feel like it. Make your praise loud enough to be heard, just like Paul and Silas did.
Ask yourself:
What situations in my life need the foundations to be shaken?
Am I fighting the symptoms or addressing the root causes of my problems?
How can I incorporate intentional praise into my daily routine, even when I'm in pain or facing difficulties?
Do I truly believe that my praise can trigger divine intervention?
Remember, when you put on your praise, there is a response from heaven. The foundations of everything holding you bound will be shaken. Every chain will be broken, every door will be opened, and you will walk in the liberty that God has made available in Christ Jesus.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus said, "If you believe in God, believe also in me."