In this climate of layoffs and economic hardship, it's easy to become focused on the mess in our lives. However, let me encourage you to focus on the message that comes through the mess. Through God's loving-kindness and mercies we can turn our turmoil into testimonies. It is encouraging to know and rest on the fact that regardless of whatever life throws our way, God is there for us, guiding us through.
Praise equals VICTORY! It is through praise that God wants us to acknowledge WHO He is and what He has done for us. Probably one of the most difficult things for Christians is to praise Him when we are going through the fire; but in life we have to go through the fire to become purified. 1 Peter 1:9 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (KJV)
When we praise Him for all of His wonderful works and benefits, His Word and victory gets sealed in our hearts when this praise is continuously in our mouths. Praise is the language of faith. The more we praise God for what He has done and is doing in our lives, the more we realize the VICTORY we have and of which we are presently walking in.
2 Chronicles 20:18-22 (KJV) gives an account of how King Jehoshaphat experienced a great victory when he led his people into praise and worship (they began to sing and praise the Lord) that caused his enemies to be put into subjection. This is the same victory the Lord wants to give us! We need to realize that our enemies are fleeing and are being brought to a state of confusion as we begin to worship and praise the Lord!
Victory…through a sacrifice of praise! Praise in the midst of great trials? YES! Praise in the midst of great difficulty? YES! Praise in the midst of sickness? YES! Praise in the midst of relational difficulties and financial struggles? ABSOLUTELY! Praise Him!
Written by Evangelist Bernice Harley