Psalm 56:4(KJV)
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
David wrote this Psalm when the Philistines seized him in Gath while running from Saul’s army. David thought he might find refuge but soon realized the worst. After running for his life from one murderer with an army of soldiers, David runs into the arms of another jealous and dangerous foe. But he anchored his pain, longing, and fear in the promises of God. Instead of dwelling on the terrifying mountains in front of him, he focuses on what God has said to those who love Him and praises Him. Suddenly, the threats no longer seem threatening, for an overpowering voice drowns them out. With all that was happening, David said he would praise God for His Word, for his trust is in God. It proves the strong connection between praise and faith. People of faith are also people of praise. Praise is a vital proof of faith; it is proof that God is able, and even though His Word tarries, it will surely come to pass. When we praise God in adversity, the meaning is God is too faithful to fail.
People of praise celebrate the reality of God’s Promises. Men who trust in God are without tension, always joyful, positive, and enthusiastic. The easiest way to know that a person has faith or trusts in God is when they are praiseful. Thus the faith-filled are also praiseful; our strength in faith connects us to our level of praise. The more faith we have, the higher our thanks and praise to God will be. Psalm 106:12 says, “Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.” Those who believe God in all situations sing, and those who doubt God are sorrowful, downhearted, and full of complaints. When we celebrate His Word, we provoke His intervention. Just as it is significant to thank and praise God for what He has done, it is equally outstanding to know that there is a higher level of praise when we praise God for what He is about to do. In other words, those with faith praises God to let Him know that He is the reason things are not worse than they currently are. People of faith praise God even when the results are not yet evident. Romans 4:20 says, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Abraham is called the father of faith, and he expressed his faith in God through praise. He demonstrated his faith by giving glory to God. In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was surrounded by the enemy, but Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and praise Him for the splendor of His Holiness. And as they sang and praised, the LORD set an ambushment against the enemy. In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas sang praises to God in prison. They praised God because He was the reason their situation was not worse than it was. God’s word causes us to dance when the devil wants us to mourn.
Beloved, it is never possible to be in faith and not praise God or believe the Word or Promise of God and not celebrate. People of faith celebrate the fact that God is too faithful to fail. Praise God because you believe Him, and believe Him because you are praising Him and experiencing the reality of His Presence. No matter the situation in your life, God is the reason things are not worse than they are now. Things could have been worse, but God prevented the devil from having his way in your life. Therefore, praise God unconditionally. Praise God from the depth of your heart and defend your praise to protect your faith. Learn to thank God in all circumstances. As you praise Him for His Word, you will see His Word come to pass in your life. Remember, be more determined to praise God for who He is and not only what He can do.
O LORD, I praise You for who You are to me, where You brought me from, where I am today, and where You are taking me in Jesus’ Name.