The Word tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. There is something supernatural about praise, drawing us closer into His presence. As we turn our heart and focus to the majesty, holiness, mightiness, loving kindness, grace, mercy, sovereignty and compassion of God, we begin to see rightly.
Praise produces an improvement in a situation regardless of whether or not the circumstances change. As we praise, we are better able to put our trust in God and therefore we are strengthened and encouraged. We can walk forward, knowing that He is with us, that He is trustworthy, and that He loves us. With our confidence in Him and His sovereignty, we have renewed peace and hope.
And sometimes our praise allows God to step into a situation in His amazing way and do the impossible right in front of us. Jehoshaphat and Judah experienced that when they were facing an overwhelming enemy. (2 Chronicles 20) Jehoshaphat called the people together, declared a fast, and prayed a prayer of praise and dependence upon God. When they went out to face the enemy, they went singing and shouting praises to the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.” Before the people of Judah arrived at the battlefield, God caused their enemies to fight each other, leaving Judah to just go out and gather up the plunder lying around the dead bodies. God had fought their battle for them as they praised and trusted Him.
This being said, praising God shouldn’t be something we do only because we want something from Him. God deserves our praise! We should praise God because He is worthy of our praise, and because we are coming to understand more about Him, and we are becoming more in awe of who He is!
May we be people who say, “Praise the Lord O my soul and let all that is in me bless His holy Name. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good! He is a rewarder of those who seek Him, and He goes before those who praise His Name.”

Contributed by Susie Willis