The importance of praise

(Photo: GiniMiniGi)

In times of crisis it can be very difficult to give God praise, especially when circumstances have been stressful for months, sometimes even for years.

I believe God understands on the days when it all becomes too much to bear. He understands those times when we feel engulfed by our problems and that there is no way out.

However, I also believe that even when we fall into despair we can get back up again with the help of a loving heavenly Father. As we draw closer to God by reading God's Word, through prayer and by regularly listening to Godly teaching, we can become strengthened again.

Before our circumstances change, praising God for His love, His goodness and anticipating victory in our situation, demonstrates to God that we trust Him, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Praising God is an act of faith.

In Hebrews 11 verse 6 it says that without faith it is impossible to please God so we can show Him that we believe that all things are working together for our good by steadfastly refusing fear-filled thoughts that will eventually turn into fear-filled words and instead in everything giving God thanks.

The atmosphere of faith that praise creates allows you to remain in peace while God works out His plans through the situation that you are facing.

In Psalm 8 verse 2 it says that through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Praise confuses the devil. If he's giving it his best shot, creating circumstances to bring you pain, there is not much he can do with a believer who remains steadfast and keeps his heart aligned with the will of God and gives God the praise.

Through praise we can submit to God and resist the devil. He will flee if we resist him. Our words our powerful, so let us use them to praise God and defeat the enemy.