The Extraordinary Power of Praise: A 5 Day Devotional From the PsalmsSample

Praising God Brings Victory

We have an enemy who wants to rob, steal, kill and destroy. He works overtime to rob our confidence and steal our passion. He is a liar and accuser. His name is Satan. However, God has given us weapons that we can use in warfare when Satan is hounding us. We can clobber the enemy with the Word of God and Praise. These two weapons, when combined crush will crush him under your feet. Here’s the thing, Satan is allergic to praise. When you feel him trying to defeat you or steal your confidence, start praising the name of Jesus Christ. As you exalt Jesus Christ for who He is, Satan will run like a coward.

This principle is seen in the story of Jehoshaphat leading the troops of Judah out to fight the enemies that were surrounding them. Instead of sending out the troops first, King Jehoshaphat sent out choirs who sang, “Give thanks to the LORD for his love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). As the choirs sang, the LORD sent ambushes against the enemies and all were defeated. It is a powerful story illustrating how praising God defeats the enemy in our lives.

Selah – Pause and Reflect: In what area of life are you longing to see victory? (i.e. victory over anxiety, fear, addiction, food related issues..) What does it look like for you to praise God that the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ?

Prayer of Praise: Lord Jesus, I exalt You, because with Your help I get through any situation that feels insurmountable. By Your power darkness turns to light. Thank You, that when I feel fear, Your presence is with me. I praise You that You promise to lead me in victory as I trust in You. Father God, I thank You that through Christ I have victory in every situation. No weapon formed against me will prosper. I praise You, Lord Jesus, that today I can stand in Your victory.

Psalm 18:46-49, “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. Therefore I will praise You, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.”

For even more help overcoming anxiety, join Becky Harling for a 6-week study of the Psalms in The Extraordinary Power of Praise.