It was David, the ultimate worship leader, who wrote that God inhabits the praises of His people. David presented this idea that praise is a form of construction in which the Lord Almighty dwells. Most Christians of any length of time have heard this truth. Yet I wonder if we have considered the cost of our praise. Hebrews 13 speaks of the “Sacrifice of Praise” given to God through the fruit of our lips. It implies that we must praise even when our emotional hearts are not fully engaged. It means that praising God is a sacrifice in the same vein as a lamb being slain on an altar of fire.
The modern day Christian doesn’t always see it this way. In fact, according to some worship forums and religious articles, praise should be an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Some submit that it should leave the person light-hearted or energized. Others have redefined praise as a function with minimal effort, but if this is the case, where does the sacrifice of praise occur? The Bible points to praise as the making of a building — a habitation. David said that through praise we make God a place to live. No prerequisites required. No conditions considered. Just Praise. In the good times or bad, we are to obey the Word, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Isaiah commissioned us to praise when we walk through waters, rivers, fires, and flames. Just Praise! Sometimes praise is easy and sometimes it’s work, but it’s always in order. Sometimes we praise out of Joy and sometimes we Praise through grief, but we must Praise! And finally, sometimes we praise for the wonders He has done, and sometimes we praise just to build a place for Him to dwell. The last words of all the psalms says it like this: Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole