Apr 03 – MAKE AN EFFORT TO PRAISE GOD !

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Whenever you face circumstances that prevent you from praying, you should kneel down in the presence of God and start praising Him, because there is great power in praising. As you keep on praising God, He will do mighty wonders in your life. He will plead and fight for you, much more than you can ever imagine or request.

Once a man of God was sent abroad on a mission. He went over with all gladness, but when he looked at the prevailing circumstances, which were completely unfavourable, he was very disheartened. He did not know the local language and all those who were around him were very hostile. The local culture was also very different. And the man of God was dejected and thought of returning to India.

At that point in time, he happened to see a sticker on a door, with the following caption: “Don’t give up on your efforts. Praise God”. These words seemed to directly speaking to him. As he kept reading the words over and over, his heart was filled with a new hope and faith. In the same situation where he could not pray earlier, he started to lift up his voice praising God. After about half an hour of praising, he could sense a liberation in his spirit. The spirit of dejection was replaced with a spirit of encouragement. And all the issues which were standing like a mountain, disappeared as he praised.

When enemies rose up against Jehoshaphat, he realized that could not win the war in his own strength. He kept aside all his military might, weapons of warfare and his huge army and started praising God’s glorious mightiness.

God manifests Himself as a strong and mighty saviour in the midst of those who praise Him. When Jehoshaphat and the assembly of Judah began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemies. They stood up against each other, utterly killed and destroyed them. The Scripture says: “So, when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped” (2 Chronicles 20:24).

Children of God, the same Lord is alive even today. Commit all your ways to the Lord, trust in Him, Praise and worship Him. In every situation, make an effort to praise Him. And He will bring to pass and grant all the desires of your heart.

Verse for further meditation: “So, they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:28)