How can praising God strengthen our faith and witness to others? Setting the Scene Psalm 75:9: “But as for me, I will proclaim Him forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.” Why Praise Matters for Our Faith • Praise turns doctrine into experience: what we know about God becomes what we feel and celebrate. • Declaring God’s greatness fixes our eyes on His unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6). • Vocal worship resists the enemy’s accusations (Revelation 12:10–11). • Each time we praise, we rehearse God’s past faithfulness, which fuels fresh confidence for today (Psalm 77:11-12). How Praise Strengthens Us 1. Anchors the heart in truth – Psalm 22:3: God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel”; His presence stabilizes anxious hearts. – Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast.” Praise fastens our thoughts on Him. 2. Rekindles gratitude – Psalm 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.” – Gratitude crowds out grumbling and doubt (Philippians 2:14-16). 3. Fuels joy that trials can’t quench – Habakkuk 3:17-18: even when barns are empty, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD.” – Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” How Praise Becomes Witness • Praise is public—“I will proclaim Him forever.” People hear what we celebrate. • Acts 16:25-30: Paul and Silas praise in prison; prisoners listen, a jailer is converted. • 1 Peter 2:9: we “proclaim the excellencies” so others are drawn from darkness to light. • Psalm 40:3: “Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” when they hear our new song. Practical Ways to Live Psalm 75:9 • Start and end each day naming three specific reasons to praise God. • Read a psalm aloud at the dinner table; let each family member add a short line of thanks. • Turn answered prayers into shared testimonies—text or call a friend to tell what God has done. • Sing along with worship music during ordinary tasks; let praise color routine moments. • Memorize key praise verses (e.g., Psalm 34:1; Hebrews 13:15) and speak them whenever worry surfaces. Final Encouragement Continual praise, rooted in Scripture, keeps faith vibrant and unmistakably showcases God’s goodness to a watching world. |
    |