When I had demons in me, I was fasting, praying, reading the word of God, filling up my soul on the word of God. This was so powerful that at night, when my spirit was asleep the demons came crawling out on their own. The Lord showed me the Word had such power that demons could not occupy where the word was residing,
Lately the Lord has me in a season of singing praises to Him. I find myself joyfully singing in the shower, old hymns, songs that I had grown to despise as a teenager because I wasn’t allowed to listen to any fun music. No rock and roll, nothing that had a drum beat or catchy rhythm. So, naturally, I resented listening or singing hymns.
I’m in the strange season where out of the blue, I’m desiring to sing these old hymns. They are just bubbling out of my spirit. I feel this joy come over me as I’m singing to God, I feel His tangible presence. I’m getting a revelation that just as filling up on the word is powerful to cast out demons, singing Praises to God is the act of filling that empty space with Him.
This is what the Bible says:
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6
“Therefore, through Jesus, let us continually. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” Hebrews 13:15
This means God infuses us when we are singing praises to him! Our temples which mean our bodies. Think about it…we’re changing the atmosphere of our own bodies by singing praises to the Lord. The word I got for this year is Joy and as I pour my heart out to God in prayer and thanksgiving, I’m feeling the joy of the Lord come over me.
Sometimes as Christians were taught, if we’re enjoying life, that means, we’re being fleshy, carnal. Others are suffering and the enemy wants to put this false guilt on us as if we should be going through it, too. The reality is everybody has their season of darkness and suffering. If we currently aren’t going through it, just by holding false guilt and condemnation, we can allow the enemy to steal the pleasure of life from our everyday moments.
Does our Good Father want us to live in a constant state of suffering and survival? How can we give anyone hope if we don’t have joy ourselves? We must never forget the pain of our own suffering and use this as a bridge of understanding and support for others going through it. We can lift our friends up in prayer But, at the same time we cannot allow the enemy to take from our blessings. We must be aware of how sly and sneaky he is.
I feel God ministering to me in a new way, teaching me how to generate joy in my own body, home and attitude with simple and heartfelt praise, singing the hymns from the old days. If you’re dealing with a season of heavy spiritual, financial and relational oppression, let me encourage you to turn off your phone and turn up your Praise. If you’re not used to this, it will be awkward. New habits always are. But, I believe there will be fruit if you continue to press on.
Let’s pray for God to anoint our time of Praise with Him:
“Heavenly Father,
You’re always with me. This been hard to believe, especially when the storms rage.
Today, I stand on your promise to inhabit my praise.
Lord, I lift my eyes to you.
You’re worthy of my heartfelt worship.
How many times have I walked away?
In how many ways have you stayed?
I’m alive because of your amazing grace.
Let this truth penetrate my mind and heart, breaking off every lie which causes me to feel abandoned.
The truth is, I’ve abandoned you.
A million different ways.
Yet, here you are and here I am today.
Forgive me, Lord.
Touch my heart and lips to worship without reserve for this is the very least you deserve.
I love you, Lord because you first loved me.
I love you, Lord because only you can see the gem buried deep inside the wretch called me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
