According to the second dictionary.com definition of praise , it is the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship-a hymn of praise to God-Psalm 59:16.

Our praise to God while engaged in spiritual warfare is not just a declaration of faith and trust in God. It is a proven weapon that shifts the focus on the power and ability of God to give us victory to His eternal praise and glory. Praising God in the midst of trials of faith or troubles that life can bring may not sound logical for some, but it is the most logical thing to do as an expression of our faith and trust in God even in times of weakness. Praising God in battles is not a foolish action but a very wise action to take because our weapons for spiritual warfare are not the kinds of weapons the world uses to engage in warfare. The weapons we fight with have the power to destroy strongholds- 2 Corinthians 10:3, 2 Corinthians 10:4.

The story of King Jehoshaphat in the Bible, clearly shows us how going into battle with praise was won by God. It is also a timely reminder of how praise is our weapon in overcoming obstacles and obtaining victories in our battles. King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were besieged by great armies from three nations (Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites) united against them. King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah trusted in God to fight their battle and appointed singers to go out in front of the army, praising God. The Lord set ambushes to defeat the three armies as they began to sing and praise God-2 Chronicles 20:20, 2 Chronicles 20:21, 2 Chronicles 20:22, 2 Chronicles 20:23.

King David is another worshipper in battle. He did not trust in the strength, courage and expertise of his army but in the wisdom of God to give him the right strategy for battle and in the power of God to deliver him and give him victory. David gave God praise for the ability to excel in battle. He knew God was the source of his ability and he praised God rather boasting. David was humble before God and God always came through for him with victory-Psalm 144:1, Psalm 18, Psalm 140, Psalm 146.

The understanding that our battles can only be won in Christ and through Him is another reason to praise God because in every battle we face. God has already made provision for our victory if we focus on Him rather than the fierceness of the battle. We see this example in the New Testament when Paul and Silas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul and Silas decided not to allow the situation to deter them from praising God. God honored their praise when there was suddenly a great earthquake, the prison doors were opened, and their chains came loose. God gave them victory, and more people professed their faith in Christ including the jailer. God is still delighting in the praises of His people today. Our praises are expressed declarations and recognition of God’s faithfulness in every aspect of our lives and the battles we may face –Acts 16:25, Acts 16:26, Acts 16:30, Acts 16:34.

Praise is for every battle we may face in our journey of life and faith. It should not be reserved for just the outcome of the battle because God is always worthy of our praise and worship. Praise is also your weapon to confuses the enemy. Therefore, open your mouth and lift up your hands praise to God. Praise God when things are great and not so great. Remember how God keeps and upholds you in His loving grace. Recall the times God rescued and delivered you from different kinds of situations. Praise God for victories in both the known and unknown battles you are facing or may face-2 Corinthians 2:14, Isaiah 25:1, Deuteronomy 10:21, 2 Samuel 22:4.

The walls of Jericho fell down at the sound of the trumpet while the people were praising God. Your voice is your trumpet at any time. Whatever the nature of the battle you are facing right now, do not be silent. Let your mouth be filled with praises and let the voice of your praise grow louder and louder for praise is powerful even in times when we are weary in battle. Therefore, offer high praises to God when you are alone and when you are gathered with other believers in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to come boldly in praise to God’s throne of grace and receive mercy in our time of need for silence is not an option for our victory in Jesus Christ-Joshua 6:5, Psalm 109:30, Hebrews 4:16.