Numbers 2-3 / Mark 11:27-12:17/ Psalm 47 / Proverbs 10:24-25
In my opinion, praise is meant to be loud and full of joy, shouting, clapping of the hands, even dancing or jumping. I’ve done all these and there are times I just can’t help myself because I’m so overcome with the goodness and beauty of God! Have you ever felt that way?
In reading Psalm 47, I get a sense of great joy and celebration! Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! I can feel the energy and I’m excited just reading the words.
But sometimes we’re hesitant to praise in a demonstrative way because of what others may think. I get that. However, if we knew what our praise accomplished in the Spirit, I believe we would crank it up louder!
What does our praise accomplish?
Praise allows us to see God as He is. Why? Because He inhabits our praise, and when His presence is near, He is revealing His character. Last Sunday during our gathering there was a heavy awareness of God doing this. His presence was noticed and there was a deep revelation of His love and care.
Praise gives us proper perspective. If the songs we sing are doctrinally strong, we’re learning about God and His kingdom and having our minds renewed. Anyone interested in a sermon in song? Well, a properly written worship song will feed into the Truth of Who God is.
Praise prepares the way for battle. In Numbers, it was the tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun who led whenever the Israelites traveled to a new campsite. Judah means “praise”. In 2 Chronicles 20:21 it says – After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”
Praise destroys the enemy (he hates it!). Keep reading in 2 Chronicles 20 and find… 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.
Who wants to praise with me today?
