Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 19 &20; John 13:21-38
“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” 2 chronicles 20:22 (KJV).
We were told in the scriptures that our God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). If God dwells in the praises of the saints what it means is that God comes down to receive the encomiums poured out in praise. God will not give His glory to another, so whatever will stand in the way of that praise must be uprooted and removed. In this instance the children of Ammon, the Moabites and inhabitant of mount Seir are the obstacles that must be rooted and destroyed.
The power contained in praise is mightier than any force on the surface of the earth. Praise is the Christian’s instrument of victory in any challenging situation. Praise renders the opposing force impotent and inoperative. When we praise God, He frustrates the wicked devices of the enemy and incapacitates their hands to perform their wicked acts. When we are confronted on all sides by our enemies and the proud rivers of life wanting to swallow us up hear what King David said in 2 Samuel 22:4 (KJV), “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Developing the act of praising God as a lifestyle puts you in the class of conquerors.
When you live a life of praise you live a life of victory. Praise is strength because it attracts God’s presence and when God comes in every obstacle is cleared. Praise is what God cannot give Himself and in His infinite wisdom He placed it in the mouth of human being who is referred to as ‘babes and sucklings’. Psalm 8:2 (KJV) clearly state the purpose of praise thus “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightiest still the enemy and the avenger.” To enter into divine presence enter into the mode of praise. As powerful as prayer is it only attracts answer from God but praise attracts His presence. Praise is a potent force that can change our circumstances. Only our God does wondrous work: “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things” Psalm 72:18 (KJV). What this means therefore is that our God is the custodian of wonders so in His presence wonders happen, and praise is what attracts His presence.
When we surrender our life to God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ we become God’s children, consequently our tongue is set loose to praise Him freely. You need Jesus into your life to open you up to the channel of praise that attracts God’s presence.
Prayer: Father make me your instrument of praise all through my sojourn on earth.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo