We are commanded to praise God (Ps 150). We praise him for what he does for us but more especially, for who he is: God above all gods, King of kings and Lord of Lords, mighty God and creator. His love never fails and his mercy endures forever

If you look at the Hebrew words used to describe praising God, we are told to praise him with our voices (Ps 149), loudly, with passion and even wildly (Ps 109:30; Ps 150; Ezra 3:11). In Psalm 150 we read that: "everything that hath breath", should praise the Lord (Ps 150:6). We should praise God using all kinds of musical instruments and also with the dance (Ps 149; KJV). God says he takes pleasure in his people of praise (Ps 149).

Our praise should perhaps take a cue from God's expression of joy over us as given in Zephaniah. 3:17. Here, the meaning of the Hebrew words for joy, rejoice and singing encompass rejoicing over us with gladness, love, loud sounds and singing; dancing and spinning for joy with an indescribable intensity.

Praise comes from the heart (John 4:23). We should praise God at all times and in all circumstances (Ps 34:1). There is power in praise, because God is enthroned in the praises of his people (Ps 22:3). To be enthroned means that God comes and settles down in our presence. Praise ushers us into God’s presence (Ps 100:4). In his presence there is power to break every bondage that holds us, power to lift us up and open doors to set us free.

If you are down today, then praise God and he will lift you up.

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