A Sacrifice of Praise

My Beloved, you have seen me come through for you faithfully in the past, the many times when I have proven myself to be victorious on your behalf. Think back to those victories today as you look at the current difficulties in your life, the problems rising before you, the hindrances and the obstacles blocking your way forward. Look at them with open eyes, see them, and do not deny them. And now I challenge you, that as you look at you look at those situations, bring me a sacrifice of praise. I am greater than all this. So as you look at these hindrances, now see me high and lifted up above them. As you now see me in my rightful position, which is far above your circumstances, praise me. Praise me for the solutions I will provide, and the victory I will bring to you again.

Just as King David did in so many of his psalms of praise to me, lift up your hands in confident trust and praise my name over it all!  For my arm is not short and you will see me come through faithfully for you again and again. I am not limited in the victories that I can provide. It honours me when you bring a sacrifice of praise because it can be costly to proclaim faith despite the current circumstances. After all, you will have to stand against unbelief, past hurts, and disappointments. However, when you dare to do it, your praise says that I trust you, Lord, to be who you are: faithful. And this act of faith will release my power, my solutions, and my victory. It will also transform your own thoughts and feelings, changing the situation and shifting the atmosphere.

Activation: Look closely at the difficulties and challenges in your life. Let the Holy Spirit point out what you shall deal with today. Then get up and stand before the Lord, lift up your hands (do it physically), and praise Him for what He has already done in your life. Then lift Him up above the impossibilities before you. Declare His solution and victory over it. Bring Him your sacrifice of praise and wait expectantly for what will happen! Sometimes you may have to repeat this act of faith several times.

Psalm 56:10-12 (NLT)

I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 

Psalm 50:23 (ESV)

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!

Psalm 107:21-22 (NIV)

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.