WORD-SATURATED PRAISE

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” – Colossians 3:16

The Praise that prevails is the WORD-SATURATED PRAISE – Praise that’s an overflow of a heart filled with the Word: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col.3:16). Word-filled Praise provides a sound basis for a Lifestyle of Praise: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (v.17). “Whatever you do” embraces your personal life, marriage, home, parenting, career, business or ministry. That’s why the admonitions that follow relate to the roles of wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and masters (vv.18-23). And the conclusion is: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (v.23).

The lack of a sound base in God’s Word may be the reason why some of His people fail to exalt Him with high praises as consistently as they should. People who do not have enough of God’s Word in their hearts or who do not truly believe in what the Word says concerning the priority of praise, are likely to be deficient in the Lifestyle of Praise. Such people usually feel dry or tongue-tied, often conscious that they do not have enough to say to the Lord other than repeating common religious clichés such as, “Alleluia,” “Praise God,” over and over without really meaning it.

The grace to exalt God with enthusiasm, genuine faith, power, and purity on a consistent basis comes by having His Word deep within our hearts, ready to be released and to flow from our lips. The supply of the Word guarantees unending flow of Praise. As we begin to confess, declare, and quote the Word, strength rises, because the Holy Spirit Himself comes alongside to help us to proclaim the Father’s Praise. The Spirit of Truth reminds us of things the Lord has said (Jh.14:26). As we meditate and focus on those things, deep calls to deep. With God’s Word in our hearts and thoughts, we can praise by the Spirit, declaring truths like the Psalmist did.

I praise You, “O LORD, my Strength” – my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Shield and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold (Psa.18:1-2).

“All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name” (Psa.66:4). O Lord, may I ever sing to the glory of Your powerful name!

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth” (Psa.57:5). Be exalted, O God, in my life also. May I always please You and never shrink from shining forth Your Truth, Your Light, and Your ways!

“The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting” (Psa.93:1-2). Lord, You are robed in majesty, armed with strength, and established in dominion upon Your everlasting Throne. Let my life also be established and founded by faith in Your Word.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev.5:12). O Lord, I join my faith with all saints on earth and of ages past to sing Your Praises, ascribing to You glory, honour, wisdom, holiness, riches, strength, beauty, authority, love, salvation, and splendour!

Knowing God’s Word helps immensely in giving Him acceptable Praise. Through praise, God is glorified in us as we come into more intimate communion with Him. The ability to praise the King of the universe, so that He listens with delight and love, is an exceedingly wonderful privilege. May we obtain more grace for faith-filled, Word-saturated Praise, in Jesus name!