“Praise lifts our eyes from ourselves and the battle we are facing to the victory we have in Jesus.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 21, 2024
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6
If you’ve ever taken Marketing 101, one of the first things you learn is the 3P’s. You’re taught these three principles at the beginning of class as they provide the highest return for your efforts since they are the cornerstone for everything you do.
There are times when we need some basic principles to help push through our personal barriers to live our best life – the one God has in mind for us. We will all go through periods when we may feel unrest in our spirit. Perhaps you’re seeking a new career path and don’t know where to go. Or, maybe you’re still single and wondering why God hasn’t brought your soul mate to you yet. Whatever the situation you may find yourself in, there are 3P’s to break through your personal barriers: Praise, Prayer, and Power.
Praise is such a powerful spiritual weapon in our toolkit. Praise lifts our eyes away from ourselves and the battle we are fighting. Over the years, I realized when my heart was at its heaviest if I would put on praise and worship music, I would begin to feel a weight being lifted from me. It was no coincidence that my spirit felt lighter, and hope began to rise within. There is power in praising the Lord; when we do so, we invite the Holy Spirit into our presence.
Praise lifts our eyes from ourselves and our battle to our victory in Jesus. Just look at what happened in Jericho. The battle wasn’t won by remaining quiet, getting angry, or whining to God, asking, “Why?” The walls came crashing down, giving victory to God’s people when the Israelites released shouts of praise (Joshua 6:20). When Paul and Silas were in prison, the prison doors literally shook open when they were praying and praising God! (Acts 16:25-26). This is not something that just happened centuries ago. This very same power in praise exists today. Go ahead, lift your hands, praise God, and see if the proverbial walls surrounding you don’t come tumbling down!
Prayer is also a potent tool. If you’re uncertain how to pray or feel like you’re not praying correctly, just remember – prayer is just a conversation between you and God. It doesn’t need to be eloquent or peppered with scripture. God hears your heart. He’s so excited that you’ve come to sit at his feet and talk with him.
The Bible says we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can pray at any time or place. You don’t need to be in a church or on your knees. I do a lot of my praying as I’m driving. It’s quiet, and there are no distractions. It’s just me and Jesus. He has my undivided attention, and I have his. It’s also when I turn on praise music and can sing at the top of my lungs without offending anyone’s senses. Praise + Prayer = Power. Give it a try and see your world change.
“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15).
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s encouraging to know I can pray to you at any time or any place and you hear me. My words don’t fall on deaf ears but you are there to receive each heartfelt prayer from my lips.
Application
As you’re driving down the road today instead of making that phone call use the time to lift your voice in praise or prayer to your Heavenly Father.
Related Reading
Psalm 34:1; Psalm 103:1; Matthew 21:9; John 4:24
Worship Resource
Bethel Music (Jonathan & Melissa Helser): Raise a Hallelujah
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
