One night, as my family and I gathered in the living room for family devotions, we decided to read through Psalm 108. As my husband began discussing the first five verses, he asked the question, “What does it mean to inhabit?”
He referred us to the passage that talks about how God inhabits the praise of His people Israel. (See Psalm 22:3 in the KJV) His explanation of what it means to inhabit was simple. The place an animal lives is its habitat; therefore, it inhabits the place it lives. When we choose to praise God, He manifests His presence even stronger at that moment; He dwells in our praises.
We can live a lifestyle of praise by praising God in all circumstances. Praise Him when we’re down. Praise Him when we’re sad. Praise Him when we’re happy. We just might be amazed at how a lifestyle of praise can transform our perspective!
As we continued our family devotion that night, what occurred to me was that praise is also another weapon we can add to our arsenal for fighting against Satan’s attacks. You see, when we praise God, we are no longer focusing on the problem but on the Solution – Who is God; and then the power of the enemy in that moment diminishes.
We are moved from the place of fiery attack to the place of victory. Therefore, when under attack by the enemy — PRAY God’s Word — SPEAK God’s Word — REPLACE the lies of the enemy WITH the truth of God’s Word….and unleash the power of PRAISING God. Speak words of adoration to the Lord. Quote Scriptures of praise.
Lift up your voice and sing praises to God. Throw on the praise music and dance because “….the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (I John 4:4 NIV)
Memory Verse:
“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.”
– Psalm 108:1-5 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how important praise is. When I give You praise, You are exalted and my perspective changes. I am so thankful that Christ has already won the victory. Through Him I am victorious! Praise Your Name. Help Your people to always give you praise….”
Contributing Writer:
Karen Lowe
Karen,
You are so right, when we give praise our perspective does change…I know when I’m feeling negative I need to be praising more!
You are right Amy, when we’re feeling negative it’s a good time to start praising God. It’s amazing how praising God and practicing the attitude of gratitude can help us shift our focus from the negative to the positive!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Karen Lowe
Karen, I am so glad I read your post this morning. It’s amazing how the Lord leads us to what we need to read at just the right time. He is amazing, isn’t He?
I am going to make the heart choice to praise Him no matter what my circumstances. I so desire to draw closer to Him and have Him manifest His presence even stronger in my life.
I’m looking forward to church this morning where I will continue to praise Him.
Thank you Karen!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie,
I am so glad the devotional blessed you. Praise the Lord! May you have a wonderful week!
Karen