Praise is Power

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Psalm 34:1

DEVO:

When we talk about the tools of spiritual warfare, most people think of prayer, fasting, or reading the Word. But there's one weapon that often gets overlooked—praise. And yet, praise is one of the most powerful acts a believer can engage in, including during recovery.

Why? Because praise shifts our focus off the problem and onto the Problem-Solver. It silences the lies of the enemy and opens our hearts to the presence of God. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten, chained, and thrown into prison. But at midnight, they sang hymns and praised God. And what happened? A violent earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, doors flew open, and their chains fell off. Praise made way for their freedom.

Praise is more than a worship song or hands held up to Heaven... it’s an act of war. When you're in the fight of your life, when cravings or depression are pressing down hard, praising God even when you don’t feel like it is a declaration of faith. It says, “I believe You’re still good. I believe You’re still able. I believe You’re still with me and will never leave me.”

Praise doesn’t change God—it changes us. It softens our hearts, renews our minds, and fills our mouths with truth instead of complaint or defeat. It reminds us of who God is, even when everything else feels unstable.

And here’s the mystery: God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). That means when you praise, you’re not just making noise—you’re making room for the King of Glory to step into your situation.

TOOAY'S GOAL:

Today, when frustration hits or temptation rises, stop and praise. Speak out loud who God is and what He’s done for you. Put on worship music, sing a verse of a hymn, or just say, “Jesus, You are worthy.” Let praise change the atmosphere in your heart and home.

DEEP REFLECTION & MEDITATION:

• Psalm 150 – “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

• Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…”

• 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 – See how Judah won their battle through praise.

• Isaiah 61:3 – "to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

PRAYER:

Abba Father, You are worthy of praise—at all times and in every circumstance. Help me to lift my eyes and hands to You instead of focusing on the storm. Teach me to praise You when I feel weak, when I feel alone, and even when I feel stuck. Let praise be my breakthrough. Fill my mouth with worship, and let my heart follow. I welcome Your presence into every corner of my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND JOURNALING:

1. What happened the last time you praised God even though you didn’t feel like it?

2. What distractions or habits tend to silence your praise?

3. What are some specific times in your day—such as in the morning, during stressful moments, or before bed—when you could make praise a regular habit?”

4. What truths about God can you remind yourself of when you begin to feel overwhelmed?