PREPARED FOR PRAISE

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully – Psalm 24: 3-4 (NKJV)

Praise is noble; it is not to be treated trivially. Praise is a solemn priority; not to be handled lightly. Praise therefore requires heart-preparation and demands time and attention. Living a lifestyle of praise inevitably requires sacrifice of time. You cannot dash in and out of the Presence of the Lord. You must learn what it means to abide and commune. You must practice His Presence. True Praise flows out of a life of discipline and devotion, a heart of holiness and purity.

Praise is a sacrifice. The sacrifice of praise is not mere fun. It is costly. It transcends the lips. Believers are expected and empowered “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…” (1Pet.2:5). Hebrews 13:15 enjoins: "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name"  Praise must flow from the totality of your personality. The preparation of the heart precedes the proclamation of the lips. According to Psalm 24, praise thrives when there are clean hands, a pure heart, a humble soul, and an honest tongue.

Psalm 24: 8 describes the Lord as being mighty in battle. Jehovah, our Chief Commander, is the greatest Military Strategist. Every soldier under our Great Commander must learn to align with His strategy; and must be prepared to take his or her position of praise. Satan is confused and confounded at the sound of praise. Demons cannot withstand or tolerate the praise of God by His people. The enemies flee at the release of praise, because at the sound of praise, God comes on the scene: “But You are HOLY, Who inhabit the praises of Israel” (Psa.22:3).

Praise is more than an emotional outpouring. Praise is spiritual. It is not sufficient to sing melodious songs or solemn hymns from just any kind of heart. The One who inhabits the praises of Israel is HOLY. True praise flows from a holy heart, with holy motives, communicating holy words, and commanding holy actions. Putting on the garment of praise is a conscious decision and act of your will. God has appointed to you the Garment of Praise to replace the spirit of heaviness (Isa.61:3). Are you willing and ready to put on that holy garment? Psalm 65:1 says: “Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed.” Concerning you, does God have the assurance that Praise is awaiting Him?