Leading The Way - Devotional for February 5
February 5, 2025
What Praise Does
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
When praising God, what do you say? Your words are important because they reveal what is in your heart (see Matthew 12:34). Your praise reveals the places in your life where God is working and how much you really believe in Him. Through praise, God opens your heart so that you will know Him more deeply.
Praise refocuses our heart so we can see God’s plan for the future. In this life, you will face trials and troubles of many kinds. If you focus solely on your problems, eventually you will believe that disappointment is your destiny. It is not. Jesus has overcome every evil obstacle. If you focus on God’s power, love, and glory, you realize that great things are possible.
Praise re-establishes God’s reign over our hearts. Praise is often difficult because it invites God to have authority in our life, meaning we must submit. But turning the authority of your life over to Him means not having to worry about your future. With God as your loving King, you will be able to claim all His promises for your life (see Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 41:10; John 8:36; Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:16-19).
Praise fortifies our relationship with God. Praise reminds you that God loves you with an everlasting love. It also helps you recall that you are not alone. God is like an eternal flame of hope burning at your side. By expressing your adoration and thanksgiving to Him, you not only accept His love; you also learn how to reciprocate the love He gives to you (see 1 John 4:15-19).
Through praise, God prepares us to worship Him completely—mind, body, and soul—so that we can experience the depths of His love. That is why Paul admonishes us to “[r]ejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Let nothing hold you back; praise Him for His faithfulness and His care for you.
Prayer: God, help me to make praise a regular part of my life of worship. Thank You for the many blessings that come when I praise You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High” (Psalm 7:17).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Empowered by Praise: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
