Last Sunday in church the worship team was singing “I’ll Raise a Hallelujah.” I love the chorus. “I’m going to sing in the middle of the storm, louder and louder you’re going to hear my praises roar. Up from the ashes, hope will arise, death is defeated, the King is alive!”
As we were singing, I heard the King say: “The world wants to keep you silent. Circumstance and difficulties seek to drown out your praise. It is only by an act of your will that you will praise God.”
I listened in the congregation and heard a few praises, but I don’t think I heard any that roared! I am not sure mine did either! When I looked in my Bible this morning, I found almost 50 instances in Psalms alone that say, “I will praise ….”
Praise is an act of the will. I WILL praise. I WILL praise the LORD in the congregation. I Will praise the LORD in the silence. I Will praise the LORD forever. I WILL praise the LORD among the nations.
It does not matter if we like music, or whether we like the music we have. It does not matter if we are alone or if we are in the great congregation. It does not matter if we “feel exalted,” or if we “feel pressed down.” As believers we are to put forth our will to praise our Lord and Savior.
David tells us why. “You turned my lament (I was lost) into dancing (I am saved!); You removed my sackcloth (my sin, shame, and guilt are gone) and clothed me with gladness (the righteousness of Christ), so that I can sing to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I Will praise You forever.” [Psalm 30:11-12 HCSB, paraphrased]
Today: Lord, I will praise You with all my might for all You have done for me!
