If you found it difficult to praise this week during God’s appointed time of celebration, you were not alone. If you had to press through and focus on the goodness of God, you had victory. Sometimes, we have to give thanks in all things, even though what’s going on around us is not good. It’s especially in those times that God knows our hearts and is well pleased. When we don’t FEEL like it, when it costs us something and requires effort on our part and when circumstances don’t seem good, then it truly is a sacrifice of praise.
Through Jesus, let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of the lips that give thanks to His name. - Hebrews 13:15
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me, to one who orders his way rightly will I show the salvation of God. - Psalm 50:23
Paul and Silas gave us the blueprint to unlock prison doors and set captives free. As the Ekklesia continues to be thankful past the appointed time of God’s celebration and even past the holiday of thanksgiving, we strengthen not only our lives but set the enemy running. It’s time that we change our position from defensive to offensive.
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” - Acts 16:25-31
Notice that this happened at midnight. Midnight representing the end of one day and the beginning of another day. THIS is that new day for the body of Christ to not only put on praise every once in a while, but to live a lifestyle of praise. So that we too can see the captives set free, salvations of entire households and walk in total freedom ourselves. But remember, it won’t come because we FEEL like it, or because our circumstances all line up, it will have to be a choice we make. But what a powerful choice it will be!
With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God! Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky. You’re a God who makes things right, giving justice to the defenceless. - Psalm 103: 1-6