Approximately 250 times in scripture we’re told to praise the Lord[ 1].
Some would see all these calls to praise as the directives of an ego-maniacal god, but that’s hardly the case. Upon further investigation of scripture we find that praise of God is actually good for us.
Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father? We seek to bless him by offering our praises, and he turns right around and blesses us when we do.
What are those blessings of praise? I’m so glad you asked. Here are just seven as a starter-list. You may find a surprise or two.
Praising God alleviates anxieties.
As we remind ourselves Who’s in charge and how he provides for those in his care, fears are calmed. (Psalm 146 offers an example).
Praising God enhances prayer.
Instead of focusing on the problem which presses us downward, praise turns our attention to what God can do and lifts our spirit upward. (See Psalm 103.)
Praising God kicks Satan to the curb.
James 4:7 reminds us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” What better way to resist him than to focus on God’s power, promises, and past provisions?
Praise brings the consciousness of the presence of God,
and the liars from the pit cannot effectively market their wares
in the atmosphere of praise.
—Jack Taylor[2]
Praising God magnifies blessings.
When we look through a magnifying glass at an object, we often experience greater appreciation of that object. Hold a magnifying glass of praise to God for the day’s blessings and experience greater appreciation of Him and his benefits (Psalm 77:11-14).
Praising God offers comfort.
Are you disappointed? Praise God that he brings good out of every situation (Romans 8:28). Are you hurting? Celebrate God’s abundant goodness in spite of circumstances (Psalm 145:7). Are you fearful? Rejoice in God, a strong refuge in times of trouble; he is ready and willing to help (Psalm 46:1).
Praising God provides pleasure.
“Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good” encouraged one of the psalmists. “Sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant” (Psalm 135:3). Numerous times in scripture we’re urged to sing and shout for joy because of who God is and what he does. Why?
Praising God replenishes faith.
Meditate on Psalm 145 and note all the attributes of God highlighted, including: his greatness, (v. 3), the mighty acts he performs (v. 4), the splendor of his majesty (v. 5), his goodness and righteousness (v. 7).
The more you praise God, the more you become God-conscious
and absorbed in His greatness, wisdom, faithfulness, and love.
Praise reminds you of all that God is able to do
and of great things He has already done.
Wesley L. Duewel
Add these to the list:
- Praising God in the company of others encourages them (Colossians 3:16).
- Praising God fine-tunes our perspective as our focus shifts from self to him (Psalm 121).
- Praising God grows our hope, humbles our spirits, and ushers in peace (Psalm 33:18-22, Psalm 8, Psalm 62:1-2).
Surely there are still more blessings of praise to be discovered. No wonder G. K. Chesterton wrote:
- * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Father, for these many blessings you lavishly supply as we learn to enjoy you through praise. May we grow each day in our capacity to celebrate you at every turn.
Did any of these blessings of praise surprise you? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
Notes:
[1] https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/praise-the-lord/
[2] quoted in Satisfy the Thirsty Soul by Linda Dillow, 191.
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From the Inside Out 
The second and third blessings resonate with me, Nancy. When you talk about “turning attention to what God can do”, it reads like a healthy distraction from our troubles. Same with “kicking Satan to the curb”. If we choose to focus on God, then we’re likely engaged in actions where He finds favor, and distracted from actions where he would not approve.
Amen, Dave. Since sin begins in our thoughts, we can keep temptation at bay when we focus on God and praise him for all that he is to us. Wrongful desires won’t seem nearly so enticing. (Have to admit though, I’m still a work in progress in this regard!)
I have found no greater joy than praising the Lord. He inhabits the praises of His people!!
That is such a powerful testimony, LInda. You’ve experienced serious trauma in your life, and yet you’ve found great joy in praising the Lord. How glorious! Thank you for commenting!
Excellent post!
Thank you, Loralu. Praise God for his inspiration!
‘Praising God replenishes faith.’
What a great truth!!
Love these words from Wesley Duewel also:
‘The more you praise God, the more you become God-conscious
and absorbed in His greatness, wisdom, faithfulness, and love.
Praise reminds you of all that God is able to do and of great things He has already done.’
Wesley L. Duewel
Isn’t that an uplifting quote? It blessed me too, Alicia!
Your post motivated me on what I will teach to my jr high Bible study girls on Wednesday… How important it is to praise God, and I will probably use some of the same verses that you chose. I went through and highlighted them in my Bible this morning. I always love your positive encouragement!
Praise God you found some ideas and scriptures here applicable to your Bible study girls. If they begin the habit of praising God now, imagine what strong faith they’ll develop as the years progress! Thank you for letting me know of your plans, Alicia. You’ve encouraged and blessed my spirit!
I often think of the “count your blessings instead of sheep” part, but the kick Satan to the curb part surprised me a bit. Praising God in our trials truly is like Kryptonite to the devil and his goons. Thank you for the reminder, Nancy. May God bless your day!
Love that analogy–Praising God is like Kryptonite, rendering the devil and his goons powerless. (I like that term, “goons” for demons also!) Thank you for your input, David!
When we make praising God our focus, somehow our problems don’t matter half as much as we imagined. Such great inspiration here today, Nancy!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. You are so right about shrinking our problems with praise. They’re not nearly as scary when we shine on them the light of God’s love, goodness, faithfulness, power, and wisdom!
Amen, Nancy! He inhabits the praises of His people! Thank you for this encouraging post!
He does indeed, Pam! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Thanks, Nancy! That was a very powerful reminder about praise and how it affects us in so many ways. Sam
Thank you Sam, and praise God for inspiring me to meditate on praise!
Amen and AMEN! 👍💗🕊📖😇
So glad you concur, Roland!
It occurred to me this week that I don’t take the time to tell Jesus ‘I Love You’ nearly often enough! It should come as natural as breathing to do so, especially thanking Him for my many blessings. I love the word you used…’celebrate’. And I especially enjoy ‘kicking Satan to the curb’ every time I tell Jesus that I love Him!!!
Indeed, “I love you, Jesus” should be on our lips throughout the day. Thank you for the reminder, Cheri–and for your encouragement!
This blessed me in so many ways, Nancy. Praising God is an act of my will. I get lazy sometimes and not alert to how worried or disgruntled I am. Satan loves that attitude because then he creeps in with his ungodly ideas that he throws at me. You have encouraged me to be even more aware of the importance and value of praise. Thank you and have a blessed Lord’s day!
You’re welcome, Patty. With you I want to be more forthcoming with praise to God throughout each day. And thank you for your blessing, I AM having a joyful day, beginning this morning with quiet time on the deck followed by check marks on the to-do list as I completed some chores, and a luscious salad that Hubby brought me for lunch on his way home from errands. Now I get to chat with my blogger-friends like you!
♥️♥️ So many blessings for sure!
read this this morning and a wonderful way to start the day!!
Thank you, Jean–praise God for his inspiration!
Just what I needed— a reminder to always Praise
Thank you for the reminder
Glenna! How nice to hear from you. SO glad this post was just what you needed–praise God! As for reminders, I need them too! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Thank you, Nancy. This is very helpful.
I’m so glad you found this post helpful, Gary. Praise God!