I read this quote from J. Lee Grady, Charisma Magazine, this morning. I hope it blesses you as it did me.
“I believe the book of Psalms is in the middle of the Bible because praise must be at the core of the Christian life.”
David was not reserved when He shut himself away with God. He prayed, sang, shouted, clapped his hands and danced. And he talked to himself. He said with confidence: “Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arises against me, in spite of this I will be confident” (27:3).
We normally think it strange when someone talks to himself. But the Bible actually encourages us to do so when we are praising the Lord. If you are fighting discouragement, one of the best things you can do is hide in a room and begin to tell God how awesome He is. If you can’t sing well, put on some lively praise music and follow along. The important thing is that you open your mouth and speak—because by doing so you are canceling the enemy’s lies.
Many Christians only praise God in church once a week. No wonder so many of us are spiritually frail. We’ve also lost the art of true biblical confession. When our souls have been overwhelmed by bad news, we must counteract by declaring our faith out loud.
There is an old song that comes to mind, “It’s Amazing What Praising Can Do.” One line says, Now I don’t worry when things go wrong, Jesus fills my heart with a song. If you’ve tried everything; praise! If you are at the end of your rope; praise! If your prayers hit the ceiling and bounce back; praise! When you need a way made out of no way; praise! Sing, shout, dance and praise!!!
