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The Privilege of Praise
by
Ann Stewart
To praise someone is to extol, glorify or honor
him/her. One definition that really sums it up for me is: “to go into
raptures over.” I love that! Doesn’t that accurately describe a state of
exuberance? Can you see yourself jumping up and down, screaming and
laughing over some great feat your favorite team has performed or the
prize you’ve won?
Privilege equals freedom. Being able to let go and shout and not be
concerned about what you sound like or what impression you may be giving
to others. You just don’t care because you are so happy and you just
want to express it to those who deserve it. You may have had a difficult
day or facing terrible circumstanced. But right at this moment you’re
free and full of joy!
Isn’t that the way you are with God – every day – praising Him for all
His goodness? Oh?? You mean you don’t get excited about Him every day?
You don’t feel like praising because your husband/wife got up grumpy,
the kids are screaming, and you have a humungous headache? Maybe you’re
lying in a hospital bed in pain and anguish and praise is just not in
your vocabulary.
Let me tell you a story that happened to me. My husband, Jack, who had
just begun to rally from a coma, brain surgery, and a month-long stint
in Intensive Care, suddenly experienced a drastic turn for the worst.
The chain of events those eight hours had practically plunged me in
despair. The whole ordeal had taken its toll on me and this was just
about the last straw I could bear. How I got home that evening only God
knows. My eyes were bloodshot from crying and I was ready to just curl
up and have a pity party.
As I opened the front door I was greeted with Praise music! Here were my
two daughters and their fiancées standing around the CD player, singing
songs of praise at the top of their lungs. They, too, had a difficult
day dealing with dad’s medical crash while balancing studies and work
schedules. What a present ... and what a Presence! Very soon in that
anointed atmosphere my spirits lifted and I was singing along lustily,
praising God for His goodness and Love. He deserves our praise at all
times.
“Praise God in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his power,
praise him for his mighty acts, praise him according to his excellent
greatness.. let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye
the Lord.” (Ps. 150) Don’t praise Him only when you feel like it; praise
Him because He is your Lord, Saviour and Deliverer. Praise Him because
He deserves it whether you feel like it or not. “Let the saints be
joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds.” (Ps. 149:5) Yes,
on your bed – even when you’re too tired or too desperately sick! Why?
Because: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall
walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they
rejoice all the day; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For
thou art the glory of their strength; and in thy favour our horn shall
be exalted. For the Lord is our defence; and the holy one of Israel
shall be our king.” (Ps. 89:15-18)
Take it from me. You may need a little help to get started with praise
in the midst of your circumstances – as I did. But WOW, what a true
privilege it is to have the weapon of praise! Yes, it is a weapon. When
you start praising the Lord, the devil flees, the anointing of God comes
down and your reward is joy and healing. Be sure to invest in some
Praise CDs. They’re a great catalyst to stir up a song within you.
About the Author:
Ann is the author of “With Wings as Eagles,” an
inspirational testimonial of overcoming major obstacles.
Get her free inspirational e-zine, worth $79:
http://www.lifealteringwords.com
To learn more about the author:
www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles
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