by furaha nchimbi | 13 July 2022 08:46 am07
Praise is more than mere expression it’s a theological act of declaring God’s nature, works, and worth. It is the verbal and physical response of a heart transformed by the awareness of who God is and what He has done. True praise arises from a deep, inner conviction and awe that manifests outwardly in joyful actions dancing, singing, shouting, clapping, and even silence before His majesty.
At its core, praise recognizes God’s supreme authority, His covenant faithfulness (Hebrew: hesed), and His wondrous acts in creation and redemption. It is both a personal and communal response to God’s self-revelation through His Word, His works, and His Spirit.
Creation Calls Us to Praise
When we behold creation the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, mountains, and oceans we witness God’s omnipotence and divine order.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1
Creation itself becomes a silent witness, inviting us to join in its unceasing testimony of God’s glory. Praise becomes our way of aligning with that universal chorus.
God’s Acts of Deliverance Invite Praise
Praise is also our natural response when we experience God’s deliverance, provision, or healing. Whether He heals sickness, provides in times of lack, or opens doors of opportunity, praise flows from grateful recognition of His providence.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:2–3
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
Biblical Command to Praise
Praise is not merely suggested; it is commanded:
“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.” Psalm 68:32
“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.” Psalm 117:1
“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” Psalm 147:1
These commands show that praise is a universal call to all nations, peoples, and tongues. It is the language of the redeemed, a foretaste of heavenly worship (cf. Revelation 7:9-10).
Praise Ushers in God’s Presence and Power
Scripture reveals that God dwells among the praises of His people:
“Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.” Psalm 22:3
The Hebrew word for “enthroned” here (yashab) implies that God makes His dwelling where He is praised. This is why praise is often linked to divine breakthroughs.
Consider these biblical examples:Jericho’s Walls Fell: As Israel marched around Jericho and lifted up a shout, the walls collapsed (Joshua 6:20). Their praise was an act of faith and obedience.Paul and Silas Freed: In prison, they sang hymns to God, and a divine earthquake opened the prison doors (Acts 16:25–26).Jehoshaphat’s Victory: When faced with overwhelming enemies, King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise God. As they sang, God caused the enemy armies to destroy each other (2 Chronicles 20:21–22).
These moments illustrate that praise is not passive it is spiritual warfare. It shifts atmospheres, invites divine intervention, and testifies to our trust in God’s power.
Why Should We Praise God?
We praise Him for who He is: holy, just, loving, merciful, sovereign, and eternal. We praise Him for what He has done: creating the world, redeeming us through Christ, and sustaining us by His Spirit.
Even the breath in our lungs is a reason to praise:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6
“From him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36
A Final Exhortation
God is worthy of praise not only for His acts but simply because He is. Our praise declares that He is our source, sustainer, and Savior. It brings us into alignment with heaven and sets our hearts on things above (Colossians 3:2).
So let us not withhold our praise. May we, like David, say:
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” Psalm 34:1
Shalom.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/07/13/what-is-praise-a-biblical-and-theological-reflection/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.