PERFECT PRAISE
From The HeartPublish date: 12/13/1998
Foundation Scripture: Matthew 21:15-16 (NKJ)
15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant
16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise'?"
Before people get born again, they might find loud and joyful praise, strange or unusual. They might wonder why we sing, clap and shout before the Lord, but once they are washed in the blood of Jesus, they find that there is praise in their hearts that demands expression! Pure and unashamed praise comes from hearts that have been touched by the awesome power of God. Hearts filled with the love, peace and joy that only the presence of God can bring.
Psalms 8:1-2 (NKJ)
1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
The word ‘strength’ as used in this scripture, has to do with loud and bold praise! Children, untouched by the negativity of the world, find it easy to openly praise the Savior, because they have not yet been taught to please men rather than God. Their little hearts are honest and pure and so they can worship with abandon. The angels worship in the same way. It is only when religious tradition is taught, or when sin begins to exert its power over us, that we lose the ability and the desire to worship God wholeheartedly.
Religious spirits, and other demons, stirred up by Satan, hate to hear people praise God. Satan (or Lucifer – before iniquity was found in his heart and he was cast out of heaven) had instruments built into his body, so that he could worship before the throne of God. He tried to exalt his throne above the throne of God. So know he hates to hear people praise God. He tries every way he can to make people hate and curse God. He lies to people, telling them that God is the author of death and destruction in their lives, so that they will curse him.
Praise unto God will stop the work of the enemy in your life. When God’s people begin to truly praise Him, in spirit and in truth, the demons cover their ears and run for cover. Shouts of praise brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:5). Praise alone caused the defeat of the enemies of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:21&22). Praise, flowing from your lips, will stop the work of the enemy in your life. The very times you don’t feel like praising, are the times you should be praising, louder and longer than ever before!
We must praise God with our whole heart.
Psalms 9:1-3 (NKJ)
1 I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence.
We must praise the Lord continually.
Psalms 34:1-4 (NKJ)
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Praise God even when you don’t feel like it.
Psalms 42:11 (NKJ)
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.