Continual Praise

It was a time of great national rejoicing. Showing no restraint, people danced and sang in a time of loud celebration while priests played on instruments raising “sounds of joy.”

This was not to be just a one-time event. Some Levites were responsible to provide continual reminders about praise. They were to dedicate their entire lives to celebration, thanksgiving, and worship. They were to play “loud-sounding cymbals,” and blow “trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.” To assure that they had something about which to sing, David gave them a psalm of thanksgiving.

This emphasis on praise continued throughout their history. They were to praise in times of war and peace. Thousands of men were designated to offer praise (1 Chronicles 23:5). Trumpeters and singers were called to praise the Lord with one voice (2 Chronicles 5:13). Whole divisions of priests had only one responsibility, to praise God (2 Chronicles 8:14). The nation even was to go into battle lead by people praising the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:21).

The Bible tells us that this praise changed everything, and led to victory and breakthroughs.

As you think about life, ask yourself how important praise is to you? Realize how easily the cares can dominate our hearts and minds. But the Bible encourages us not to be preoccupied with worries but always filled with praise and worship. Instead of thinking about problems, we need to focus on Him. To be thankful and grateful. To sing praises. Joyfully. Loudly.

Make this a day of praise and worship. Spend time before the Lord. Make praise central to your life. No matter what is going on, celebrate “continually.”