Praise that Breaks Restraint

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. (Psalm 150:1)

The praise mentioned here in Psalm 150:1 isn't a whisper or a whimper; it’s a praise that bursts from your spirit. The word used is halal, which means to praise, boast, shine, celebrate, or praise with enthusiasm. Halal praise isn't cautious, it doesn't hold back, and it isn't concerned with being dignified.This praise doesn’t ask, “Is this too much?” It’s a praise that declares God is worthy!Notice where this praise takes place. Psalm 150:1 mentions both “in his sanctuary” (or in the house of God, or your church) and “in the firmament of his power” (or any part of His creation).

There is no situation where halal praise is ineffective. Halal praise is always powerful because it overcomes fear and intimidation. We don’t naturally want to burst into praise. Part of us wants to maintain decorum, stay safe, keep quiet, and avoid making a fuss. But halal praise doesn’t just break the silence; it also breaks our flesh's urge to shut us down and remain quiet. Halal praise is a call to praise God regardless of what our flesh tries to push us to do.

Practical Application

This week, during praise and worship, try doing something you usually don't do. Lift your hands, dance, shout loudly. It’s not about how skilled you are; it's about telling your flesh that pride won't stop you from expressing praise.

Psalm 149:3; Isaiah 12:6