The Power That Breaks Chains
Well now, friend, bless my boots, come right on up on this ol’ front porch and set yourself right down here. Goodness gracious, it’s a great pleasure to have you stoppin’ by today. If you were any more welcome, I would have find a way to have the mornin’ breeze itself lean in and whisper, “You’re right where you ought to be.” Praise just ain’t no polite nod toward Heaven. It’s downright a lifeline. Second Samuel 22:4, says, “I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies.” Another verse that deepens this truth is Psalm 34:1 which says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Together they both remind us that praise sho’-nuff’ shifts the whole atmosphere.
Now, friend, Scripture shows us that praise has a way of shakin’ loose what chains try to hold real tight. Paul and Silas knew this better than anyone. After castin’ out a spirit of divination in Philippi, they were beaten, bruised, and tossed into prison like a couple of lil’ ol’ raccoons that plum went and wandered into the wrong henhouse. Humanly speaking, praisin’ the Father in that moment made about as much sense as tryin’ to teach a stubborn ol’ mule to tap dance. Yet Acts 16:25 tells us, “They prayed and sang hymns at midnight while the other prisoners listened.” They understood Isaiah 55:8 which says, “The Father’s ways are not ours.” Their praise invited Heaven into that dark cell.
And Heaven showed up. Acts 16:26 says, “A great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, the doors flew open, and every chain fell off.” Praise doesn’t just change the atmosphere. It changes outcomes. It plum loosens what fear tries to tighten. It opens what despair tries to shut. It even led the jailer and his whole household to salvation. Praise always makes room for the Father to move.
Complainin’ complicates things. Praise clears the clutter. Psalm 149:6 says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth.” When you praise the Father, you exalt His greatness, and He shows doubters just how great He really is. Even if you feel surrounded like Judah did by the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir, praise will downright steady your heart. Second Chronicles 20:25 tells us, “Their victory was so complete it took three days to gather the spoil.”
Father, teach me to praise You when it is easy and when it is hard. Help me trust Your ways, welcome Your presence, and honor You with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well alright then, friend, glory be and pass the grits, let me send you off right. Praise ain’t just noise. It’s a key that unlocks doors tighter than a stuck barn latch in winter. It plum steadies the soul the way a tall oak tree steadies the forest around it. It sho’nuff’ strengthens the heart the way a real sturdy fence steadies a pasture full of wanderin’ livestock. It downright invites the Father to step right on into places we can’t fix all on our own. So, you’ve gotta be walkin’ into your day with praise on your lips and confidence in your heart, knowin’ He moves powerfully on behalf of those who call on His name.
With joy,
Gwen
