From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
Ps. 8:2
It’s a powerful statement to say “life and death lie in the power of the tongue.” (Pro. 18:21) However, before we even speak, God invites us to listen and receive from Him word that breathes life in times of joy and pain. To encounter His presence fresh and anew is a gift made possible through a lifestyle of worship. Prayer and praise that flows out of a heart wide open before God is like a triple-braided cord that is not easily broken. We listen in prayer, we speak out through praise, and our hearts are renewed by the Maker of our souls. Worship is our delight and our strength.
Authentic worship is an invitation to trust God. It’s our opportunity to lay at His feet all the cares of the world, the burdens of the past, present, and future. Welcome God to be your song and salvation. He trains and equips us on how to live a life of genuine faith. This world has its trials and challenges but Jesus has prepared our hearts in advance that we may overcome. His Spirit leads us to shun out fear so that we can embrace a love that reminds us that nothing in this world can separate us from Him. Release the tension by letting go and letting God be your one true worship.
Jesus inhabits the praise of His people. Where He is, there is life and freedom to believe. Authentic worship brings healing through a continual encounter with the presence of God. At the center of the heart of humanity is an aching thirst for a living God who can respond to the aches and pains of our human condition. The God we worship is a God who sends out His Word to heal and to deliver. Don’t lose sight of His Word for faith in what He says produces strength to uphold you.
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body. Pro. 4:20-22
Praise is our weapon. A heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving unleashes a peace that quiets our souls and leads us into safe pastures, even in the midst of turmoil. Praise affirms God’s faithfulness to be our present help in time of need. Encounter a God who can enter into your heart, who with the warmth of His presence wipes your tears shed and unshed, and has gone before you to conquer the weight of injustice. He is able to bring health to your soul and shelter you in His wisdom. Praise unto God guards your heart and protects your mind because worship reveals the heart and character of God.
Let strength arise from your lips, for it is our Father who gives life to everything. Healing will spring up from your mouth as you declare God to be who He says He is. Jesus is our stronghold. The sound of your praise welcomes the sweet presence of His Spirit, the shifting of the atmosphere is made evident as the foe is silenced and healing comes fresh and anew. Receive the joy and purpose of praising our living God today!
Prayer: Lord let praise flow out of me. Let strength arise by declaring you are forever good and faithful to deliver. I want to honor you with my heart and mouth. Let me discover your heart as I praise you that I may continually fall in love with who you are. I thank you for the life you pour into me through your Word and Spirit. May all of my heart praise you as you strengthen me for the day ahead. Amen.
Additional verses: Ps. 118:14; Ecc. 4:12; Jn. 16:33; Ps. 22:3; Ps. 107:20; 2 Cor. 3:17; Pro. 16:24; Ph. 4:7; Ps. 46:1; 1 Ti. 6:13; Ps. 86:12