Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Power Of Praise

*|MC:SUBJECT|*

The Power of Praise

Most folks reading this have no doubt praised God at various points in their lives. Many are worship leaders in local churches and involved in some “ministry” capacity. However, it may serve us well to be reminded of a few basic points and biblical truths in regard to the power of praise. This is coming more from the personal angle although it can be applied to the corporate as well.

The last article focused on worship. We must realize that true worship is more an issue of the heart, humility, and giving reverence to the One we call "Lord." By definition, music may or may not be a part of the true worship experience.

Frequently, throughout Scripture, praise involves singing, celebration, and song.

Let’s focus on one of the many examples of the power of praise.

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed" (Acts 16:25).

We see Paul and Silas were bound in chains and locked in the inner prison. At midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God. We are not told how long they sang songs, but at some point, a great earthquake occurred; the foundations were shaken, prison doors were opened, and chains were broken.

The verse refers to this happening, “SUDDENLY.” The Bible offers several such examples of amazing things taking place in response to the people of God praising Him in song. I am reminded of the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and the victory won by Jehoshaphat as Judah (praise) went before the army (2 Chronicles 20).

Many are yet bound with chains today, even held in prison to varying degrees. It was at the darkest time of night, midnight, when SUDDENLY God’s power was unleashed, and the captives were set free.

You may be struggling with some form of bondage in your own life. Churches are often filled with people who are imprisoned by powers of darkness, addiction, depression, etc. God desires to set His people free, and we can experience that “suddenly” moment when night gives birth to a new day.

We simply must begin to praise God in the midst of darkness, fear, and pain.

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).

There are times when the last thing we feel like doing is giving praise to God. However, if we offer Him our sacrifice, the fruit of our lips, giving Him thanks, the Lord will act SUDDENLY and release supernatural power to break chains of bondage, open prison doors, and grant us lasting freedom. And who knows what other lives may be impacted as a result! I would encourage you to read the rest of the story in Acts 16.

Grace & Peace,
pg

No comments: