The Power of Praise

Get ready to harness the power of praise in your life!

“Sing a new song to the LORD, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones … praise His name with dancing … with tambourine and lyre … the high praises of God shall be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands.”—Psalm 149:1–6 NASB

How many ways can we praise God? The psalmist writes that we can praise the Lord through our voices, speaking and singing, alone and “in the congregation.” But we also can express praise with our entire beings, “with dancing,” and by singing praises “with tambourine and lyre.” We even are to “sing for joy” on our beds (v. 5).

Instead of feeling inhibited or passive in our worship, we can be free! We can sing, dance, and shout. We also praise God with the offerings we bring before Him.

This psalm speaks about having our mouths filled with praise while we have “a two-edged sword” in our hands. Why? Because praise is central to a victorious Christian life. Every day, we battle against demonic forces and face pressures, problems, and sin in the world. When we fill our lives with praise, we can go into battle, confident in the Lord and filled with His presence, joy, and triumph!

It’s all right to praise God silently, but don’t hesitate to praise Him aloud too. Today, don’t be apathetic or passive, but sing and shout praises to His name!

Fill your entire life with praise to God. Praise Him when you are alone or with others. Allow your life to be filled with His presence, and be overwhelmed by His goodness and mercy. Then go forward into battle. Almighty God is on your side!

Reflection Question: Write your own psalm of praise to God.