Praising the Lord Brings Joy

I will continue with the topic of happiness and how to sustain one’s joy. I know a sure way of keeping one’s spirit joyful; this is by constantly praising God. The Bible points out in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is our strength. King David used this principle to overcome many obstacles. As a young shepherd of his father’s sheep he trusted in God to guard him against lions and other predators while on the field. When time came to fight the big Philistine giant Goliath, David was sure of victory despite his humble stature. He killed Goliath with a mere stone but it was the words that he confessed that actually did it; “You come to me with a sword and spear but I come to you in the name of the Lord… (1 Samuel 17:45-47).” It was David’s soothing music that calmed King Saul when he was under a demonic attack (2 Samuel 16:14-16, 23). This shows the power of musical praise – it eases the soul of any tormenting presence. David trusted in the Lord with all his heart, used every opportunity to praise Him and as a result God delighted in him and fought all his battles. If you read the book of Palms you will understand why God chose faulty David of all the upright people who walked this earth, to be his special friend. The whole book depicts the feelings of someone who was in love with God and indeed David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’ in Acts 13:22-23. If we follow David’s example we will be so joyful and victorious in life. The devil is ever trying to steal our joy and you can imagine how happy it makes him when we are depressed! The secret to overcoming sorrow, disappointment and depression is to keep praising the Lord by focusing on what you still have rather than what you have lost. After all, the Bible says we should count it all joy when we are faced with trials (James 1:2-3). In prayer, some people keep asking for things and do not bother to thank God for what they already have. No parent wants an ungrateful child, neither does God. I feel sorry for those who do not pray at all. The effect of praise is immediate. God fills the hearts that praise Him with immense joy and laughter because He is overjoyed when we praise Him genuinely. Ends