Brandon Lake - Gratitude DevotionalSample

Day Two: The Power of That Lion Inside Your Lungs

Scriptures: Genesis 1:3; Psalm 95:2; 2 Chronicles 20:1-29; Joshua 6:1-27

Declaration makes a difference. Truth breaks down barriers. Our praises usher life into effect, and our worship knocks down walls. Remember, God created the world with His words, saying “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And remember that we are made in His image, so in the same way He spoke the universe into existence in six days, we can speak miracles into reality as sons and daughters.

In Psalm 95:2, the writer (likely David) said, “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.” That word, “extol,” means to praise enthusiastically. The original Hebrew word that was used in this verse is “rua,” which means to raise a shout or to give a blast. Often, the idea of “giving a blast” in the Bible is associated with sounding a signal for war or shouting in triumph over your enemies. We can see quite a few instances in the Bible where worship was used as a warfare tactic. In 2 Chronicles 20, we read that Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance before going to war against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. The Lord told him to not be afraid and said, “For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). In response, Jehoshaphat and Jerusalem worshipped the Lord. Jehoshaphat then sent a group of men to lead the army, singing “Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). Their enemies went to war against one another, and Jerusalem stood victorious as the Lord fought their battle.

We find a similar story in Joshua 6, which is where we read about Jericho. God told Joshua and his men to march around the city for six days, and then on the seventh day, they were to blow their trumpets and shout. Once again, His words were, “For the LORD has given you the city” (Joshua 6:16). The walls collapsed and the city was theirs. These stories remind us that our worship and our words hold more weight than we could ever imagine.

Reflect:

1. What walls need to be knocked down in your life, and/or what enemies do you need to conquer?

2. How can you practice praising your way through your next storm?