OBSTACLES TO PRAISE

Praise is both important and powerful. So why is it so difficult at times to praise God? The Bible explains that, even with the power of the indwelling Jesus, our hearts are still "more deceitful that all else" ( Jer. 17:9). We sometimes forget that we are always dependent on God to live victoriously in this life. Satan therefore tries to persuade us that we will eventually reach a point where we can "do it ourselves." The Scriptures are clear that Satan "prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8). Disguised as an "angel of light," the devil and his host seek subtly to subvert the praises the children of God owe to their heavenly Father. God, however, has given us grace in times of need, provided we humble ourselves ( Matt. 23:12; James 4:5-10). Praising God allows us to defeat the strategies of the enemy. As God's adopted children, we no longer have to remain slaves to sin ( Gal. 4:6-7). We have a powerful spiritual weapon in praise, and it is guaranteed to be effective ( II Cor. 10:4-5).