February 4, 2026

PRAISE: THE DOORWAY TO SPIRITUAL FREEDOM

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?... Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”

Psalms 22:1-3 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

We all love the mountaintop moments—those times in corporate worship where the presence of God feels tangible and thick. While our theology isn't based on feelings, it is truly a gift to sense His unique presence.

But then there are the "other" moments. The seasons of confusion, frustration, and silence where it feels like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. David knew these moments well. He begins Psalm 22 with a cry of abandonment, but then he pivots to a powerful truth: God is enthroned on the praises of His people.

The Power of the Pivot

There is a spiritual key hidden in David’s despair. Praise acts as a doorway into a fresh awareness of God’s presence. It doesn't necessarily change your circumstances immediately, but it refocuses your perspective.

Praise is a "magnifier." When we focus on our problems, the problems grow large in our minds. When we praise, we magnify God, and suddenly we realize He is far bigger than the obstacle we are facing.

The Acts 16 Breakthrough

A perfect illustration of this is Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. They were beaten, shackled, and tucked away in the "inner prison."

At midnight, their darkest hour, they didn't hold a prayer meeting to complain about their treatment. They held a praise meeting. They didn't beg for deliverance; they simply worshipped the Person of God. As they sang, a divine earthquake shook the foundations, the chains fell off, and the doors flew open.

Praise is Not a Performance

Too often, we think of praise as a "Sunday-only" activity led by a band. But the most powerful praise often happens when you are alone on your own "midnight."

• In your car when the bills are piling up.

• In your kitchen when the news is bad.

• In your bed when you can't sleep from anxiety.

When you choose to praise during despair, you are building a throne for God to sit on right in the middle of your mess.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, teach me to be a person of praise. I don't want to wait for a "feeling" or a church service to worship You. Even in my confusion and frustration, I choose to magnify Your name. I believe that as I praise, You are opening doors and breaking chains in the spirit realm. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”