Had you walked in on me earlier this afternoon, you would have witnessed one of my private praise breaks. It was one of those serious “tell the usher to come get this child” moments. Without a Hammond B3 organ, drum beat, tambourine, hand clap, or any coercing from an expeditor of a service, I let go and got my praise on today-- right in my bedroom.
Now, this might seem strange to you. Perhaps, having a Holy Ghost fit with only you and Jesus in the room is a bit odd. Radical praise may seem more fitting in the company of others behaving similarly on a Sunday morning.
But Psalm 33:1 tells us that praise is always comely or fitting for the upright. Amen? I like to say “All the time is the right time to praise.”
So, what induced my praise break today? Exciting, joyful news, that sent me into a euphoric state? Actually, quite the opposite.
I received bad news first thing this morning from one of my sisters.
After getting the details, I hung up the phone feeling numb. Worry began tapping me on my shoulder. And that monkey called heaviness leapt on my back and refused to move. Then that old thief, satan, tried to embezzle from me, stealthily working to steal away small measures of joy, peace, and faith. For a while, I was feeling less-than-great. But then, the Holy Ghost arose within me and commanded my soul to praise God.
With no hesitation, I obeyed. And let me just tell you, the Lord met me right there in my room. With every step, I felt lighter. I stomped on that old devil’s head and let that rascal know, whatever might come knocking at my door, God is yet worthy of my praise. If my spiritual nemesis wants to try to beat me down while I’m in the valley, he’s going to have to sit through a serious praise session.
And we all know the enemy wants nothing to do with praise. It repels him.
After I danced, worshiped, and cried out to the Lord, His intense anointing engulfed my whole being. I could hardly stand, not because I was tired—though I did dance a good while—but because the awesomeness of His power was overwhelming.
I can truly say, ain’t nothing like a good ole praise break. I haven’t felt any heaviness since rejoicing in the Lord. As a matter of fact, I’m still basking in God’s presence. And if I think about how I feel too much longer, someone just may have to “hold my mule” as Shirley Caesar says, so I can go and shout all over again.
So, this afternoon, I’m adding generous amounts of “praise” to your fresh cup of inspiration.
When life gets hectic, don’t be afraid to lose yourself in praise. Pull that car over; slip away on your lunch break; lock yourself in a room; or go ahead and get loose in that service. There is power in praise.
In the midst of hard trials, we must never stop giving God glory. Psalm 34:1 NIV says, "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for reminding me that, even when I go through hard trials, You are yet worthy of glory. Help me never to allow tribulations to steal my praise, because through praise, You are glorified, and my spirit is edified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
