Feb 23 2009
The Incredible Power of Praise
We’re living in a time of great upheaval and change, unfortunately not for the better. The man we elected to bring change has an agenda of his own, rather than God’s. We could wonder what happened when we prayed so desperately, so fervently, that this would not happen.
This turn of events could easily paralyze us, making us feel as if things are out of control. But at times we must remember that God is sovereign. He created it all, and it bows to His sovereignty. He hung the moon and stars. He set the earth spinning on its axis. He divided day from night and the dry land from the sea. He created us and knows our inward parts. And as amazing as it sounds, though He knows we are weak and fallen, He loves us. And He is trustworthy in every situation.
He promises to never leave us, to be our provider, our protector, our high tower, our deliverer, our comforter, our counselor, our strength, and our hope. He gives discernment, and promises to direct our very steps when we consult Him. And His Word never fails. He hears our prayers and inhabits our very praise.
The thing is–He needs to be everything to us. We need to bow to His plan, no matter what it is, even if it includes taking our country down in order to bring us to our knees. He is worthy, not only of our praise, but of our trust.
Our daughter was only six years old when she was molested by her grandfather, and it tore our world apart. She had accepted Christ as Savior at age four and yet, took this wild detour, walking away from God, when He failed to protect her from harm. Of course, we knew nothing of what had occurred, just that she had been transformed from a light-hearted preschooler to a raving lunatic, angry, frustrated and argumentative. Life was like that for ten years, and I nearly despaired of ever winning her back.
Because I loved her more than life itself I begged God for answers, but things were so bad that it was hard for me to see a good end. During that time I had a dear friend who gave me excellent advice. She said to start praising God now. Hadn’t I already prayed, petitioning heaven? And didn’t I believe God answered prayer? I certainly preached it to everyone else. Now it was time for me to put my money where my mouth was, concerning my child.
The struggle inside me was horrific. How could I possibly praise God for what had happened? It made little sense to me, but I had no choice but to take God at His word and praise Him anyway. And do you know what happened? I was changed from the inside out. I was able to entrust her to God so He could begin His work in her heart. I didn’t see it at the time, but I had been meddling, hindering God.
We do that, don’t we? Until we let go and allow God to work, we limit His ability to work. When we don’t see quick answers we can feel that He has forsaken us or has fallen down on the job, when in reality, we have all but shoved Him out of the process. In our fear and doubt, we become our own worst enemies.
Scripture uses the words, “Praise Him,” repeatedly in Psalms. And for good reason. It says, “Bless the Lord, oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” In a thousand ways, it says to thank Him, praise Him, sing songs to Him. But why is that? Because only when we are in praise can we let go and let God work. And in the process we are changed and lifted up. This is our place of rest.
No matter what the future holds, you and I are held in the palm of His hand, and we can trust Him to care for us. In the Old Testament He sent the singers into battle first, because they were a powerful force, breaking strongholds and changing the outcome of a battle. This should be proof enough of the power of praise.
Let’s get into praise before we see answers, simply because we trust Him.
(My daughter and I have written a book about our journey, so if you want to know more, go to www.nancyarantwilliams.com and click on the book page, where you will find, And the Heavens Wept.)
Because of His great love,
Nancy
