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

Praising God Strengthens Us While We Wait

The Psalmist David had to wait a long time for God to fulfill the promise of becoming King. Often during his years of waiting, David was also hiding for his life as King Saul chased him to kill him. Instead of walking away from his faith in God, David pressed in deeper even while he waited. At one point during his waiting David expressed his praise by saying, “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). That phrase “wait expectantly” speaks of confident hope. It wasn’t that David was inauthentic. Earlier, in Psalm 5, he sighs for the Lord to listen and consider his lament (Psalm 5:1). However, after he pours out his heart he shifts his focus to praising God that He will answer. As He praises, the Holy Spirit strengthens his heart with confident hope. That is the extraordinary power of praise.

As you wait for God to answer your prayers, follow the pattern. Pour out your heart to God in raw honesty, but then switch your focus to praising God. He will answer because He promises to answer. As the Holy God He always keeps His promises. As you continue to praise God even when He feels silent, the Holy Spirit will strengthen your heart with confident hope.

Selah – Pause and Reflect: Where in your life are you waiting for breakthrough? How might praising God for His character, strengthen your hope as you wait?

Prayer of Praise: Lord God, I praise You that You are good and holy. You are a God who always keeps His word. Thank You that You promised me that If I ask, You will answer (Matthew 7:7). I praise You that You always hear my voice and that I can trust You to keep all your promises (Psalm 5: 3, 2 Corinthians 1:20). Thank You that as I praise You today, You will fill my heart with confident hope.

Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, LORD you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”