2023 February

Praise God

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But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3 King James Bible “God inhabits the praise of His people…”

I’ve always thought of this verse as God coming to be with us when we worship Him in a corporate church setting. Which He does. But, this week, I got the revelation that whenever we praise anything, or anyone, God and inhabits that praise. In other words, when we are positive, and say good and encouraging things… When we praise someone’s behavior, or activity… Even when we praise ourselves… (instead of being critical) Jesus comes to dwell there. God comes to be there with us. God comes in the fullness of who He is. 

I believe our sacrifice of praise is similar to sacrifices given to God in the Old Testament that create an aroma that is pleasing to God.

 “Present as an aroma pleasing to the LORD a burnt offering.” Numbers 15:7 NIV

And the priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD. Leviticus 1:9 NKJV

Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. Hebrews 13:15 Amplified Bible

I believe that God is saying that our sacrifice of praise becomes the aroma that draws God to us, just as the sacrifices did in the Old Testament. Our praise catches His attention. Creating an atmosphere of praise, and encouragement, and being positive releases the aroma that draws God into our experience.  When we draw near to God, He draws near to us! 

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you… James 4:8a BSB

I want to challenge you today to create an atmosphere that is positive around you. Praise God for all He is, and all He has done. Speak blessings over people. Encourage them. Praise their behavior. As we do, I believe it draws God to us, and allows Him to step in to the situation in the fullness of who HE is! For God truly does inhabit the praise of His people.

Be sure to encourage those around you today. The Bible says in Hebrews 3:13 NIV: But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Have a great week!