"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."
Psalm 8:2 (Amplified)
"Out of the mouth of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger."
I ran across this verse in cross referencing a Bible passage I was reading the other day. I'm reading through the Amplified Bible this year and the New Testament verse said God had ordained praise from the mouths of infants. When I looked at the Psalm it referenced, it said STRENGTH and I was confused. So I got out the NIV Study Bible and looked. It said PRAISE; but in a note, it said, 'or strength'. Now I had something to chew on. I have been thinking about it since then.
When I need strength, I should praise. When I feel weak, I should praise. When a situation needs strength, I should praise. In every situation, praise will be my strength. Praise is another offensive weapon, like prayer and scripture memory. A mighty tool to use in my fight against Satan, the world, and my flesh.
It reminds me of Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. THE LORD IS NEAR. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
And Nehemiah 8:10b
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
I am glad to discover another weapon in my arsenal. Now I must learn to wield it often and with skill. As with any new tool, it will grow easier to use with practice.
Thank You for showing me this treasured pearl tucked into Your Word, Lord. Please help me apply what I have learned every day. Every day needs more power and strength in it! THE POWER OF PRAISE!!!
So...
I'm gonna SING, SING, SING!
I'm gonna SHOUT, SHOUT, SHOUT!
I'm gonna SING; I'm gonna SHOUT,
"PRAISE THE LORD"
When those gates are opened wide,
I'm gonna sit by Jesus' side,
And I'm gonna SING
And I'm gonna SHOUT,
"PRAISE THE LORD!!!"
Great post! I guess I'd been using this for some time. When I start to get meloncholy or worried, I usually will start singing "Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus our Blessed Redeemer.." or start praising Him for the sunrise, the beautiful day, my wife, my kids, whatever. But hadn't really corilated my praise with strength as much as with peace.
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