James 1:17Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.[1] Praising God is a powerful way to lift our focus off ourselves and on to our Lord. Isaiah 25:1 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.” [2]
The Beggar who was Healed Praised God
A man who had been lame from birth anticipated receiving money from John and Peter but received something he did not expect. God had more for this lame man both physically and spiritually.
Acts 3:4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. [3]
Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to praise God. Psalm 150:6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! [4]
Why is Praise so Important in our Spiritual Journey?
- God is worthy of praise. He is worthy and deserving of our praise! John 3:16For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[5]
- Praise deepens our relationship with God. As we praise the Lord, we begin to focus on what God is doing in our life and all around us. In addition, as we praise the Lord, it gives us a greater perspective of who He is and who we are in His sight.
- Praise is a weapon in spiritual warfare. Praise is a powerful weapon to break down spiritual barriers and build up God’s Kingdom. After imprisoned, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing hymns of praise to God (Acts 16:25). In response to their prayers and praise, the Lord sent an earthquake that opened the doors and their chains fell off. Through this event Paul was able to witness to the jailer and lead him and his entire family to faith and God’s kingdom was expanded.
To how to praise God for what He has done, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-healing-at-the-temple
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.