August 14th
1 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O LORD . Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD , the LORD , is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD , call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the LORD , for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12 NIV
Isaiah 12 is an excellent hymn to recite to the Lord as an offering of praise. Praise is a one of the powerful weapons of spiritual warfare that we can use in facing the daily battles of life. In addition to blessing God, praise actually helps us in many ways too. It unleashes God’s sustaining, protecting and renewing power within us.
Praise establishes a spiritual “covering” over us that helps prevent things like depression and doubt from affecting us. Praise is a way of humbling ourselves before God and therefore invites him to move on our behalf.
A powerful example of what praise can do is found in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. King Jehoshaphat was facing an invasion of three armies that were certain to destroy Judah. After Jehoshaphat led Judah in prayer and fasting to seek the Lord, God instructed them to go out to battle. Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of his army to sing praises to God while going into battle. As a result, the army didn’t have to do any fighting: “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated” (2 Chronicles 20:22 NIV).
We too can employ praise as we face the battles with the enemy each day. As with Jehoshaphat, God will help us overcome the enemy. I found it helpful to incorporate praise (and worship) into my daily quiet time with God. I don’t always feel like doing it, but I try to do it as often as possible. Here some ways to include praise in you day:
- Read a few psalms each day out loud to the Lord
- Sing along with a praise and worship song, focusing your mind on what the words say.
- Play praise and worship music during your commutes from school/work/errands throughout the day
- Fill your home with praise and worship music
- Get in the habit of thanking God for all things that occur each day. Even in difficult times, thank God for his blessings, power and ultimate sovereignty in all things.
- During your prayer time, take time to thank God for specific things in your life
- Play a praise song prior to going to bed
(see our page on praise for more info)
Questions for further thought:
How does praise affect our perspective on the problems we face?
What are some of the obstacles that hinder you from praising God throughout the day?
What are the actions that you will take to increase your praise to God?
Prayer:
“Lord God, maker of the heavens, the earth and everything in them, I praise your name and thank you for this day. Thank you for redeeming me from the destruction of sin and crowning me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Thank you for the good plan that you have for my life and that you love me very much. I am honored to be your servant and I freely submit myself to you today to do your will. Please help me increase my praise of you throughout the day. Please teach me how to rely on your strength and your power when facing the daily battles of life. Thank you for protecting me and guiding me. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”