March 9

Praise brings victory

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15).>
“Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house” (Deut. 26:11).

No one needs to be told that the surest method to obtain new favors from an earthly benefactor is to be thankful for those which he has already bestowed.
I have somewhere met with an account of a Christian who was shipwrecked upon a desolate island while all his companions perished in the waves. In this situation he spent many days in fasting and prayer that God would open a way for his deliverance, but his prayers received no answer.
At length, musing on the goodness of God in preserving him from the dangers of the sea, he resolved to spend a day in thanksgiving and praise for this and other favors. Before the conclusion of the day a vessel arrived, and it restored him in safety to his country and friends.


Another instance equally in point we find in the history of Solomon. At the dedication of the Temple many prayers were made and many sacrifices offered without any token of the divine acceptance. But when singers and players on instruments began to thank the Lord, saying, “He is good: for his mercy endureth for ever”—then the glory of the Lord descended and filled the Temple.
The reason why praise and thanksgiving thus prevail with God is that they, above all other duties, glorify Him. “Whoso offereth praise,” says He, “glorifieth me.” And those who thus honor Him will be honored by Him in return.
—Edward Payson.

At the Name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
—S. Baring-Gould.

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