There’s explosive power in gratitude. Praise and thanksgiving emerge as spiritual dynamite, unlocking blessings, shattering chains, toppling fortified walls, and securing victories in battles where our strength and strategies falter.
The Bible commands with thunderous authority in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
But why always? This is a challenge. Not feeling like rejoicing and giving thanks in all circumstances is human, but persisting in praising God amidst every trial remains a mystery – a shocking act of defiance against adversity!
Whether it leads to an event or not, an answered prayer or not, God deserves our praise.. But witness the gripping outcome of chains being obliterated and prison doors swinging open. In Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas were shackled in a dungeon. Following the strange instruction above, they erupted in rejoicing, singing, and praising God in the prison– then, a divine shockwave. The Angel of the Lord stormed in, freeing them from captivity.
Gratitude and praise possess an otherworldly force that commands heaven’s attention. It’s the key unlocking the throne room, taught by Jesus Himself as he beckons us to hallow our Father, acknowledging His awe-inspiring greatness when we start to pray (Matthew 6:9).
David, a master of this celestial key, strides through God’s gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise, declaring, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” This transcends ritual; it’s a riveting act forging a harmonious connection with our Creator.
Psalm 67:5-6 discloses a profound truth: “Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.” it is saying that praise provokes increase and blessings. Collective praise unleashes a torrent of blessings, a breathtaking harvest from the heavens.
In the direst moments when your pleas lack direction, when spiritual strategies crumble, the exhortation echoes: praise Him. When pressed to the wall with nothing left, heed Paul’s advice – don’t fret, but with thanksgiving, pray (Philippians 4:6-7).
The historical account in 2 Chronicles 20:22 underscores the shockwaves of praise. “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the invading forces, and they were defeated.” This is the account of a nation in the throes of invasion and impending doom. King Jehoshaphat of Judah, faced with overwhelming forces from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, sought divine intervention. Instead of conventional military strategies, Jehoshaphat turned to a powerful spiritual weapon—praise. The king faced uncertainty but chose the path of praise. In our praise, God orchestrates victories, turning the tide against adversity.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk