Praises

Joy Revie

Through various mediums, we are bombarded daily with words.
Whether it's audible: TV, radio, work colleagues, friends, phone, or inaudible: text messages, emails or Facebook. 

Words have power.
They can lift spirits and brighten days. The right words at the right time can change lives. 

It's amazing to think that, just a rudder controls the movement of a ship, our small tongue holds the power to bless or curse - it’s a mighty weapon that must be used with great care. We hear daily in the news of careers and reputations ruined by unguarded talk.

The tongue is mentioned in over 120 passages in the Bible, often extolling us to use it wisely. Time and again it urges our speech to be led by the Holy Spirit and His wisdom:

God, give me grace to guard my lips from speaking what is wrong.
Psalm 141:3 (TPT)

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
Proverbs 18:20 (MSG)

I was reminded recently that in moments of challenge, rather than allowing the tongue to release the problem, we need to release the solution - this is praising in advance for the victory. Often when I am confronted with a problem, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed. I see things only in the horizontal/human perspective but our faith asks us to pause, trust and look up to the vertical/spiritual view. 

The Cambridge dictionary meaning of praise is:
‘to express admiration or approval of the achievements or characteristics of a person or thing’.

The Bible dictionary says it refers to:
‘lifting God up. It is the joyful recounting of what God has done for us and offering appreciation for who He is’ 
and is mentioned in the Bible between 207 and 248 times depending on the translation.

Genuine thanksgiving & praise to the Lord are powerful weapons for victory. As we lift our praise to Him, our thoughts begin to align with His thoughts & plans for us. This gives us a heavenly perspective on our situation. 

Remember Jehoshaphat who, when facing 3 powerful armies, chose to praise:

As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
2 Chronicles 20: 22 (NIV)

Jehoshaphat sent a choir praising God, into the battle ahead of the army and the result was a mighty victory!

Remember Paul and Silas when they were thrown in prison:

Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of the prisoners came loose.
Acts 16:25-26 (TPT)

So next time we find ourselves facing challenges, let's start praising God for the victory in advance. And as we often sing in worship:

You go before me, You’re there beside me…
You are God, our great defender
Strong in love, forever faithful… my Guardian
(Ben Cantelon)