Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)

Awakening to the melodious sounds of birds, the whispering of the wind, the fluttering of butterflies, and the thrashing ocean gives proof that our Creator is still enthroned. Without hesitance, nature obeys the command to “Praise the Lord.”

Numerous times in Scripture, we find these words, “Praise the LORD!” The command to praise the Lord is not for a select group, but to everything that has breath (Psalm 150:6). God wasn’t reluctant to tell us why we, His people, and all of His creation should praise Him. It’s irrefutable, He and His name are exalted, and His glory is above the heavens and the earth.

What Does God Need? God needs His people to PRAISE Him. God enjoys and is enthroned in our praise (Psalm 22:3). God finds a welcoming place where praise is ascribed to Him,

The book of Psalms (Tehillim) is a book of music or praise songs. Praise is an expression of adoration for someone or something. First and foremost, God commands that all of His creatures praise Him. He is explicit in how He desires our praise. Praise can and should be demonstrative. According to the Scriptures, praise is not a silent or motionless activity. Something moves when we praise the Lord, our lips, or other parts of our bodies.

There is a difference between praise and worship (we will discuss worship later). The two are related but must be understood separately. Praise expresses what God has done, is doing, or will do. Anyone or anything can praise God. You don’t have to know the Lord as your Savior to offer Him praise.

One of the best ways to understand praise is to examine the words used in Scripture that mean praise. Notice the action in the following terms.

• Halal (Strong’s #1984) to make a show, boast, to be clamorously foolish (2 Chronicles 8:14).
• Yadah (Strong’s #3034) extend the hands (Psalm 67:3, 86:12, 107:8, 138:1).
• Tehillah (Strong’s #8416) a celebration, a lauding, songs of adoration (Psalm 100:4, 111:10).
• Zamar (Strong’s #2167) striking with the fingers—to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, to make music accompanied by the voice. (Psalm 57:7; 138:1, 21:13).
• Barak (Strong’s 1288) to kneel; to bless God—an act of adoration; congratulate, praise, salute-thank; a bow of adoration. (Judges 5:2; Psalm 72:15).
• Towdah (Strong’s #8426) an extension of the hand, adoration, choirs of worshippers, confession, sacrifice of praise—thanks (Psalm 42:4, 56:12).
• Shabach (Strong’s 7623) to address in a loud tone—glory, triumph, praise (Psalm 63:3, 117:1).

Praise blesses our Creator and the praiser. Want to shut the mouth of the enemy or thwart his evil activities? “Praise God—Exalt His Name!” That’s what Paul and Silas did, and not only were their chains broken, but they were given a way of escape. The enemy cannot operate where God is receiving glory. Praise gives us the victory. (Psalm 8:1-2)

Praise ushers us into the presence of the Lord (Psalm 100:4), where we receive revelation, strategies, and miracles from God.

Dear ones, let’s do like nature and the Tribe of Judah, and give God unashamedly praise twenty-four seven.

“Oh clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (Psalm 47:1)

Give God what He needs, and your needs will be met.

Declare…

Lord, I will never hesitate to give You praise, anytime, and anywhere. The rocks will not offer You praise in my stead.

Posted by on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 @ 12:03AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational