ENTER MY COURTS WITH PRAISE

It is easy to stand in faith when My presence manifests around you. However, there must be times when you choose to trust in My faithfulness and to believe in Me even when you cannot sense My nearness.  It is easy to have joy and say you know My will when you are keenly aware of My presence; however, I want you to demonstrate that same joy and faithfulness even when you do not sense My nearness and tangible presence. 

Some may think that the happiest people are the ones who have the loudest praise. The loudest praise comes very often from the ones who are praising Me while passing through their hardships. This is the kind of praise that pleases Me the most. I don’t want men to praise Me only when they are on the mountaintop.  It is My desire to see and hear the praises of My people while they are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. This is true praise; and this is the type of praise that will lead you out of the valley.

Can you offer up a sacrifice of praise in the midst of your pain and suffering? Oh, that My children will continually praise Me through the circumstances.  Oh, that they would realize the joy that it brings Me when I see My children demonstrating their love and faith in Me while in the fiery furnace. Oh, to hear them say, though He slay me, yet will I trust Him; yet will I praise Him.

Yes, I know there will be times when you don’t feel like praising Me. However, it’s in those moments that you must not allow your circumstance to dictate to you whether you will praise. You should praise Me because I am worthy of praise. You should praise Me just because of who I am. Although you are in the midst of difficulties, I am still worthy to be praised. Although you are in distress, you should still praise My name. 

My child, if you desire to come out of that spiritual attack that you’re going through; open your mouth and give Me a sacrifice of praise.  You’ve prayed about the problem; prayer is a warfare, but praise is a victory. You say you have the victory; well praising signifies spiritual victory. Lift up your voice and praise Me. Praise Me for who I am, not for what I will do, but for who I am.  Praise Me because you want to see My face, not for what’s in My hand. Praise Me because you love Me.  Come before Me this day with a heart of thanksgiving; enter in My courts with praise and bless My Holy Name.