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The Password of Praise
This week's focus: Praise
A present-day problem many of us struggle with is remembering passwords! In our current information age, passwords are important and taken seriously. While trying to log in to my bank’s website recently, I made the mistake of typing the wrong password multiple times. I ended up getting locked out for 45 minutes before I could try again! In frustration, I picked up my Bible and it fell open to Psalm 100:4;
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
I smiled when I realized that praise is the password that unlocks our hearts and ushers us into God’s presence: a password I never want to forget.
The password of praise is for our good and God’s glory. When we praise the Lord, our focus is taken off ourselves and rightfully placed on Him. When we draw near to our Heavenly Father and reflect on His power, might, and majesty; the devil flees.
Praise is powerful. It elevates us above our circumstances by changing our perspective. We can rise above depression, discouragement, and disillusion when we look to the Lord. I love how even the word Praise has raise tucked within it. When we choose to praise, we are raised to a higher position; the very presence of God. James 4:10 tells us that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up. This is good news because in His presence there is fullness of joy and His joy is our strength. (see Psalm 16:11 and Nehemiah 8:10).
Praise is a gift that should pour out of the hearts of the redeemed. Our Heavenly Father has blessed us far more than we deserve by sending His only Son to die on our behalf so that we could live eternally with Him. To those who have put their trust in Jesus, we can rest knowing that we will never be “locked out” of God’s presence. Thankfully, we will have all eternity to praise Him, and even that wouldn’t be long enough.
Psalm 100:4
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name."
Prayer Points:
Pray: Dear Lord, What a privilege it is to praise and proclaim Your Name. There is none like You. Your works are perfect, and all Your ways are just. Thank you for being a faithful God who deserves all honor, glory, and praise forevermore!
Think: "When you cannot rejoice in feelings, circumstances or conditions, rejoice in the Lord." - A.B. Simpson
Act: Happy Independence Day! Did you know the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, holds the key to America’s freedom and success? Inspired by Kirk Cameron’s Monumental documentary, we created a short-clip video series and accompanying digital e-book for you to explore the monument up close. By studying the monument, much can be learned by young and old alike about the principles and virtues of the Pilgrim settlers. These principles and virtues were ultimately carried over into the writing of America’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Watch the videos and download the free e-book here and be sure to share with others.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.