Sacrifice of Praise
by Pam Smith
It is often a sacrifice on our part when we’re burdened or in a very hard place to open our mouths and give praise and glory to God. But Jesus has promised to help us. It’s also a sacrifice of praise when, with Jesus, we live our lives according to God’s ways rather the ways of this world and we go through persecution because of it.
This is how we begin to rise up in praise. Praise is a powerful, secret weapon that we can keep in our hearts ready to use. This will drive away the powers of darkness and show the world that His praise is glorious. ‘Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious’ (Psalm 66:2). We can speak to our souls and say ‘Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits’ (Psalm 103:2). ‘God inhabits the praises of his people’ (Psalm 22.3), so I believe we can open the way for the Lord to come and lift us up into a higher place. And He will.
But it’s not until we’ve first been down at His feet that we can truly rise up in praise. That often involves our whole being, body, soul and spirit. King David danced before the Lord. Offering up praise in song and with instruments and waving a banner is a meaningful way of honouring the Lord. There are many ways to praise God - together with others and personally on our own. But the one thing to remember is our praise and worship is to be holy, set apart for the Lord.
As we praise the Lord and rejoice in Him and sing to Him it’s good to remember that the Lord rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
Here are the words of a song by Lenny LeBlanc & Greg Gulley which we can make our prayer.
Down at your feet, Oh Lord, is the most high place.
In your presence Lord, I seek your face,
There is no higher calling, there is no greater honour,
Than to bow before your throne.
I’m amazed at your glory, embraced by your mercy,
Oh Lord, I live to worship you.
Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and six grandchildren. She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and has been involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus.
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