[All scripture references are from The New Living Translation — NLT]
I’m sure all of us like to have our achievements and accomplishments acknowledged and praised. Such recognition can inspire us to greater accomplishments and goals. On the flip side, apathy and lack of praise can be totally demoralizing and depressing, suppressing the potential of our abilities. Sincere praise is one of the most powerful stimulants to success and rewards in life.
Praise is also one of the most essential aspects of our relationship with God. It is not just a ritual or an obligation—it is a profound act that connects us to God, aligns our hearts with His will, and strengthens our faith. Through praise, we declare God’s goodness, demonstrate our trust in Him, and remind ourselves of His unchanging nature. Beyond its spiritual significance, praise also has a profound impact on our emotional and relational well-being.
The primary purpose of praise is to honor and glorify God. He alone is worthy of all adoration because of who He is—our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer.
Psalm 100:3-4 says: “Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”
This passage tells us that praise is an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a declaration of our dependence on Him. Praise is not based on our circumstances but on God’s character. It is through praise that we affirm, “God, You are good, no matter what.” — or as we like to affirm in our congregation, “God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good!”
As humans, we thrive on praise. In our relationships, giving and receiving affirmation builds trust, encourages growth, and strengthens bonds. Just as we feel uplifted when someone acknowledges our efforts, our spirits are lifted when we pour out praise to God. Conversely, a lack of praise—whether in human interactions or our spiritual lives—can lead to discouragement and stagnation. Recognizing God’s goodness through praise renews our perspective and inspires us to keep moving forward.
But praise is not just about exalting God; it is also a spiritual weapon. When we praise, we shift our focus from our struggles to God’s power and faithfulness. This act of trust disarms the enemy and fortifies our spirit.
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a vast army, and instead of leading with weapons, he led with praise. “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.” (2 Chronicles 20:22)
So victory was not achieved through human strength and strategy, but by trusting God and praising Him. Similarly, when we face battles in life—whether they are emotional, spiritual, or physical—praise reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47).
In everyday life, offering praise to those around us can have a similar effect. Words of encouragement and gratitude have the power to diffuse tension, inspire action, and bring hope to difficult situations. Lack of affirmation, on the other hand, can create feelings of inadequacy or defeat. Just as God’s praise shifts the atmosphere in the spiritual realm, sincere human praise uplifts and empowers those who hear it.
Praise not only honors God and defeats the enemy, but it also transforms us. It lifts our perspective, aligns our hearts with God’s truth, and fills us with joy and peace.
Isaiah 61:3 describes how God gives us “a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” Praise is a divine exchange: when we praise, we let go of worry, despair, and fear, and instead receive hope, strength, and joy.
Paul and Silas experienced this transformation in Acts 16:25-26. Even while imprisoned, they chose to sing hymns and pray, despite their pain and uncertainty.
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!”
Their praise not only brought physical freedom but also spiritual freedom for those around them. This principle applies to our lives as well. When we praise God or acknowledge others, it creates an atmosphere of encouragement and hope. Praise inspires both the giver and the receiver, reminding us of the good we might otherwise overlook.
With just a little effort and spiritual discipline we can build good praise habits. A goddess place to start is by taking the old hymn “Count your blessings” to heart. Start each morning by thanking God for His goodness. Psalm 92:1-2 encourages us: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.”
Especially in times of difficulty, choose to praise. Reflect on God’s past faithfulness, and declare His promises over your situation.
Whether in church or at home, make praise an integral part of your worship. Sing songs, read Psalms, or simply speak words of adoration to God.
Cultivate the habit of affirming and encouraging those around you. Your words can bring life and inspire growth.
If you keep a daily journal, write down daily moments of gratitude and praise. This habit helps you focus on God’s goodness and the positive aspects of your life.
Praise is a powerful expression of our love and trust in God. It fulfills our purpose as His creation, equips us for spiritual battles, and transforms our hearts and minds. Additionally, as humans, we flourish in an atmosphere of praise and encouragement.
A worthy goal would be to aspire to the goal of Psalm 34:1: “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.”
Let’s strive to cultivate a lifestyle of praise, knowing that as we glorify God, we are drawn closer to Him, strengthened in our faith, and empowered to encourage others.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study