4 Reasons to Praise God!

‍

I have spent literally half of my life (16+ years) leading congregations in praise and worship to God. So, this topic is dear to me!

‍

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
(Psalm 150:6 ESV)

‍

Praise is an outward, demonstrable sign of gratitude, thanksgiving and adulation. Praise is visible, audible and action-oriented. Worship, on the other hand, is intimate, personal communion with Holy Spirit, which may be more deeply meditative and experienced on the inner planes of existence. However, outer, visible praise is a pathway for getting to the space of deeply intimate communion with Spirit.

‍

We praise God for the mighty wonders and acts of the divine that have occurred not only in our lives but in the lives of others and throughout creation.

‍

"Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!"
(Psalm 150:1-2 ESV)

‍

Every time we see a reference to praise and praising God in the Hebrew Scriptures, it is connected to a root word that is expressive and demonstrable in nature. Words of gratitude, physical postures that express openness, celebration or surrender (like uplifted or extended hands, raised or bowed heads, kneeling, etc.) are all outward expressions of praise.

‍

The spiritual practice of yoga has an intimate understanding of the body-mind-spirit connection. Through various body movements and poses, connected with certain heart/mind dispositions, the practitioner seeks to more fully align and merge with God, their Spiritual Source - opening the pathway for peace and wholeness in one's experience. The word yoga literally means "divine union".

‍

We see that the expression of praise to God serves the same purpose of connecting the body-mind-spirit to our Spiritual Source, God, and maintaining the life-flow of our divine union with Spirit!

‍

Praise does at least 4 things for us:

‍

1. Praise takes our attention off of ourselves and our problems, and places it on God, who is the answer to it all.

‍

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2 KJV)

‍

2. Praise helps us to release our cares and worries.

‍

"Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7 RSV).

‍

3. Praise establishes victory in our hearts.

‍

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4 KJV).

‍

4. Praise gives us access to special benefits:

‍

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalm 103:2-5 RSV).

‍

One of my favorite books that I recommend on this topic is Myles Munroe's "The Purpose and Power of Praise and Worship" (Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle & Study Guide)

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you use these links.)

‍

So whether you're by yourself, or you have an opportunity to be among a congregation of people, exercise your privilege of participating in praise!

‍

Lift your hands (as a sign to your subconscious depths of openness and surrender), lift your heart, open your mouth and offer gratitude and thanksgiving.  When you do, you'll transcend your situation, and get a glimpse into the spiritual realm of victory that is secured for you!

‍

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

‍

~Jason Powell

‍

*Follow this ministry on Facebook and YouTube.

**You may also Sign-Up for the Weekly Digest by providing your name and email at www.jasonpowell.faith. 

***If this ministry is a blessing to you, you may become a regular partner, by donating to this work: I'd Love To Donate!

‍