Praise Wins the Battle
Every Christian will face seasons when the battle seems heavier than usual. There are days when trouble appears to come from every direction. Sickness rises up. Finances are pressured. Relationships are strained. The mind is tempted to fear, complain, or quit. The Apostle Paul called it “the evil day,” and then said, “having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Praise is not denial. Praise does not pretend there is no problem. Praise simply declares that God is greater than the problem. Praise lifts our eyes from what is attacking us and fixes them on the One who is faithful, powerful, merciful, and good.
Psalm 50:23 says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Praise glorifies God, and right words open the door for God’s deliverance, preservation, healing, and help to be seen in our lives.
That means we must learn to order our conversation. It takes discipline not to grumble when everything around us is difficult. It takes spiritual maturity to refuse words of fear and unbelief. The world may be complaining, but the Christian has another language: “The Lord is my helper.” “God shall supply all my need.” “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Praise is called a sacrifice because it costs us something. It is easy to praise God when everything is comfortable. It is a sacrifice to praise Him when your heart is heavy, your body is hurting, or your future feels uncertain.
In Luke 17, Jesus cleansed ten lepers. As they went to show themselves to the priests, they were cleansed. But only one turned back. With a loud voice he glorified God, fell down at Jesus’ feet, and gave Him thanks. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” Then He said to the thankful man, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
All ten received cleansing, but the thankful man received wholeness. There is something about returning to give glory to God that brings us deeper into what He has provided.
We see the same principle in Matthew 15. A woman of Canaan came to Jesus because her daughter was grievously vexed with a devil. At first, it looked like she received no answer. But she did not quit. The Bible says, “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” Her worship became part of her victory. Jesus answered her faith, and her daughter was made whole from that hour.
Christians must remember this when they are going through difficult times. Do not let pressure steal your praise. Do not let pain write your confession. Do not let fear become your song. Worship Him anyway. Thank Him anyway. Praise Him continually. The battle may be real, but God is greater.
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat faced a great enemy. The people did not know what to do, but they turned their eyes upon the Lord. God answered through the prophet and said, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” When Judah went out, they sent the singers before the army, saying, “Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.” As they praised, God moved. Their enemies were overthrown.
Praise won the battle.
There is another sacrifice that belongs with praise: honoring God with our lives, our time, our substance, and our care for those who minister the Word. This must be said carefully, because some misunderstand it. True ministers are not called to exploit God’s people, and God’s people are not called to be manipulated. But the Bible teaches that we honor God by supporting His work, caring for the poor, giving generously, and esteeming those who labor in the Word and doctrine.
When the widow of Zarephath honored the word of the Lord through Elijah and made him a little cake first, God sustained her household through famine. Her sacrifice became a place of provision. The principle is not greed; it is honor. When God’s people honor what God honors, they place themselves in the flow of His care.
So praise God with your lips. Praise Him with your obedience. Praise Him with your giving. Praise Him by putting Him first. Praise Him by refusing to complain when the enemy presses hard.
Christian, whatever you are facing today, lift up your voice. Thank Him for His mercy. Worship Him for His goodness. Declare His Word over your life. The enemy may come, the pressure may rise, but God has not changed. Praise still wins the battle.