RAISE A SONG AND DANCE IN THE HOLY GHOST

08/09/2024

"Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute." (Psalm 81:1-2)

Praise is not optional for a believer; it is crucial. While there are things you can pray about and potentially miss God’s will, you can never go wrong when you offer Him praise. Praise is God’s perfect plan for you in every situation. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This means that no matter the circumstance, it is God’s will for you, as a born-again believer, to praise Him.

There's no set way to praise God. You can clap, dance, or use instruments, but the most crucial aspect of praise is the words that flow from your lips. Psalm 81:10 reminds us, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Similarly, Hebrews 13:15 instructs, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."

In essence, you must vocalize your praise to God. It's not enough to just dance, clap, or shout; the words you speak in praise are an offering to God. It is your heartfelt words that rise to Him as a sweet aroma, not merely the quality of your singing. So, speak to God with words that are meaningful and sincere.

Why is praise so important? First, praise is a testimony of life. Psalm 115:17-18 says, "The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!" Second, praise is a powerful tool against the adversary in your life. Psalm 81:13-14 says, "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries." God is saying that if His people would listen to Him and follow His instructions in Psalm 81:1-2—sing aloud and raise a song—He would defeat their enemies.

Lastly, praise triggers a harvest. Psalm 67:5-6 declares, "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us." When there are delays in the manifestation of divine promises and pronouncements, praise is the key to removing obstacles.

One powerful way to praise God is by blessing His holy name—Jesus—for "...God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth..." (Philippians 2:9-10).

As you go through your day, seek fresh revelations in the praise due to the name of Jesus. Let every moment be an opportunity to glorify God. His name has brought you salvation—let that truth inspire continuous praise from your lips. His name is greater than any challenge you face, whether it's cancer, recession, or anything else. So, lift your hands, open your mouth, and release praises to His most excellent name. Hallelujah!

Faith-Filled Confession

With the fruit of my lips, I bless the most holy name of Jesus. My salvation, healing, provision, and deliverance all originate from the name of the Lord Jesus. My joy knows no bounds. His name is worthy of all my praise. Thank you, Jesus. Lord, Your name is the greatest wonder in heaven and on earth. Hallelujah!

Prayer Direction

Isaiah 54:13 says, "All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace."

- Pray and declare that our children will be taught and protected by the Lord, and no harm will come to them as they enter this school year.

- Pray for the principals, teachers, and staff members, asking that they be guided by the wisdom of God.

- Pray against any form of demonic agenda targeting our schools, and declare that they will not prevail in Jesus' name.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm Psalm 85-87; Romans 9