The Power of Praise

The Psalmist tells us we can be victorious by having the "high praises of God" in our mouths, and "a twoedged sword" in our hands" (Psalm 149:6 KJV). The "glory of all his saints" (vs. 9) is to be victorious in spiritual battles by using these two things: praise and Scripture.

Faith is a shield against the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16), and I like to think we hurl fiery darts back at him when we praise God. Praise is also valuable because it brings us into God's presence (Psalm 22:3 KJV). The amazing number of times that we are told to praise God tells us of the high value that God places on our praises.

Paul tells us to live in Christ "overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:7 ). What power there is in continually giving thanks. When faith takes the tangible form of praise, Satan always flees.

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise" (Heb. 13:15). A sacrifice calls for death. Often praise calls for a total slaying or giving up of our own opinions regarding what God should be doing in our situation.

To begin practicing the praise of God, let's declare with the Psalmist: "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise" (57:7).

Thank You, Father, that when faith takes the tangible form of praise, Satan always flees.

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs" (Psalm 69:30, 31