Power of Praise!

Christmas – often described as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’
 
Yet for some, it is anything but. For too many, the season brings with it regrets over broken relationships, memories of loved ones who have passed on and even recollections of times past – wondering if the joy-filled moments will ever be experienced again.
 
It can be challenging and sometimes you have to make a decision to encourage yourself. Psalm 188:24 states, ‘This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’  Yes, there will be times when we have to ‘will’ ourselves to focus on the positive, to count the blessings instead of rehearsing the shortcomings. One way to do this is through music.
 
Psalm 27:5-6 tells us, ‘in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.’
 

‘Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth’

Psalm 96:1 

 

‘Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;

Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.’

Psalm 98:4 

 

‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,

because the Lord has anointed and qualified Me

to preach the Gospel of good tidings
to the meek, the poor, and afflicted;

He has sent Me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives

and the opening of the prison and of the eyes
to those who are bound …

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn …

to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty
instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning,

the garment [expressive] of praise

instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--

that they may be called oaks of righteousness

[lofty, strong, and magnificent,

distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God],

the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.’

Isaiah 61:1,3 AMP  

 

‘Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!’

Psalm 150:6