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”Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of His saints! Let Israel rejoice in Him, their Maker; let Zion’s children triumph and be joyful in their King! Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation and adorn the wretched with victory.” (Psalm 149:1-4).
When ever you make it a point of duty to praise God, whether you feel like it or not, God shows up! You experience intimacy with the Lord. When you are united in this holy intimacy of praise with your Heavenly Father – the One who created the heavens and the earth nothing is impossible! Dare the devil and the overwhelming circumstances you are facing in your life right now, lift up your hands, turn your face towards heaven and begin to give God a sacrifice of praise today!
Do you know what happens when you begin to praise God? The Bible says the Lord takes pleasure in praise. God dwells in the midst of praise. When you praise God in the midst of your trouble. God gets bigger than the problem. You are acting by faith, opening the door for God to step into your situation. My friend, Jesus wants to turn the bitter water the devil brought into your life into sweetness as you put your heavenly Father where He belongs. God belongs on top of your situation, choosing to praise the Lord by faith, you are saying “I will not look at my own abilities, I will look unto Jesus. And I will look into my future with the eyes of faith because He who promised it, is also able to perform it.”
Prayer Confession: Thank you Father that your joy is my strength. You have called me as a priest and king into your kingdom. By faith I take my position with my sacrifice of praise. You are exalted above the heavens and the earth. there is no situation in my life or in the universe too big for you to fix. I will praise my way to victory knowing that you are fighting my battles. Your Word is the truth and a lamp unto my feet guiding my path to victory. I have a testimony in due season, I am already blessed in Christ Jesus and I will reign in life enjoying the goodness of the Lord. In jesus name. Amen!
Reflection: "Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." (Nehemiah 8:10).