“Because your love is better than life, I will praise you.  I will praise you as long as I live.  I will lift up my hands in prayer to your name.  Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.  I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 63:3-4,7-8

Power of Praise

A few nights ago I was struck with a violent case of food poisoning. I was horribly sick for hours. I was alone, hoping I wouldn’t pass out from the trauma that was attacking my body—and calling out to the Lord to help me.

In the midst of all this, I was reminded of the principle I’ve written about—worshiping God in everything that comes our way. Laying on my bed in between bouts of being sick, I wondered if I could even do that. I felt consumed with crying out for God to help me. I didn’t feel like offering up praises.

But I began to interrupt my pleas for God to help me into thanking Him that He was with me. That I wasn’t alone. That He was right beside me. That He was holding my right hand. That He was watching over me. I thanked Him for His faithfulness. I thanked Him for sustaining me through so many things the last few years. I thanked Him that His grace is sufficient for every need—even horrible food poisoning.

The sickness didn’t end right there. I was still sick for a few more hours. But something changed. It’s hard to describe, but I felt I had overcome something. I began to experience the reality of what I was praying out. God WAS right there with me! He was helping me and carrying me through something very difficult.

It was a poignant reminder of the power of worship. It releases something that is mighty.  It’s definitely a tool, a gift that God has placed in our hands. Praising Him gets us through the trials of life. He is so worthy to receive our praises in every situation of life!

My body is still recovering from the experience, but my heart is rejoicing in the fresh lesson I learned about the power of worship.  It’s a powerful and beautiful tool that God has given us.  Praising Him helps us to live in victory in all of life’s circumstances.

“Father, we lean on You in our weakness. Would You give us the grace to praise You in the worst of times? We honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”