Are you in the midst of a battle? Are you troubled by a war that is raging around you? Has the fight been long and exhausting? Are you growing weary about a situation that you’ve been praying and seeking and standing in faith believing God to come through for you?
One of our Pastors said something very profound last Sunday. He said, “The enemy already knows he’s defeated. God already knows he’s defeated. But we seem to forget that he is already defeated.” Listen, the enemy is ALREADY DEFEATED. And today, you and I can walk in victory over any situation that we face! Now, I didn't say the problem would be solved today; I said that we can walk victorious today!
Here is the kicker….it’s going to cost us something. But don’t worry; this will not involve opening our wallet. No, this is a different kind of cost; and it involves us opening our mouth! That’s right! We will have to open our mouth in the midst of our battle and offer up a sacrifice of praise to our God, because our praise is a mighty weapon against the enemy of our soul.
Maybe right now you’re thinking “Okie-dokie, that’s quite ridiculous! I mean how in the world will singing a song give me victory today?” Oh listen, something powerful happens when we lift up our voice to God and begin to praise His name in the middle of our difficult circumstance.
Look at what happened to Paul when he was thrown into prison by his enemy. “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. (Ac. 16:25-26)
Do you think Paul and Silas FELT LIKE singing praises to God in their midnight hour? I bet not. But by faith, they began to lift their voice and sing unto the One who could deliver them out of all their troubles. And deliver them He did!
“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.” (Ps. 89:15-16)
Paul and Silas heard the call to worship in the middle of a difficult circumstance. They experienced God’s presence and power. And finally, they rejoiced in God’s wonderful reputation! And it’s the same for us. When we begin to worship God, our praise acts as a highway for Him to come and dwell in our midst. And once He is in our midst, His presence brings us joy and we will know that He has a wonderful reputation and that He is perfecting everything that concerns us!
So I want to encourage you today. Get out your praise/worship music and take some time to praise your God in the middle of your situation…and praise Him loud! You may have to do it by faith. But just do it. God will come and strengthen and refresh you. He will give you victory today!
If you don’t have a good praise and worship CD, I would like to recommend “Moving Forward” by Free Chapel.