Use the “praise strategy”

The Christian life is a battlefield with an enemy who’s out to defeat us every day. But God has given us strategies for winning, and praise is one of them. When Israel’s army went into battle, the tribe of Judah led the way. The name “Judah” means “praise the Lord.” So when you go into battle, go with “the high praises of God” in your mouth and He will go before you. This is the “praise strategy” that toppled the walls of Jericho for Joshua and caused Jehoshaphat’s enemies to destroy one other before the battle even began (see 2 Chronicles 20). It’s a decision to praise God when you face a situation you can’t handle; to focus on Him instead of on your problem. You may not feel worthy—but He is! You may not feel able—but He is! Remind God of His promises. Nothing moves Him like the sight of His children praising His name and claiming His promises in the face of adversity. Jesus said, “You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door” (Matthew 16:19 MSG). Praise invites God to intervene, so use it. And find somebody to join you in praise (see Matthew 18:19). Multiply your impact before the throne of God. The Bible says, “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God…And suddenly…all the doors were opened” (Acts 16:25-26). So, the word for you today is—use the “praise strategy”!