The Sacrifice Of Praise
“We bring the sacrifice of Praise into the house of the Lord.” We all know that song. It’s catchy, upbeat, and joyful. But what does it really mean? I was listening to an African gospel artist the other day, and she was talking about this very thing. It’s easy to praise Him when things are going well. It’s easy to shout songs of joy and praise when the world is at our feet.
But what about when it’s on our shoulders?
What about when we are feeling crushed or hard-pressed on every side?
When sorrows shake our bodies with sobs of agony, do we praise Him then? That’s when it is a sacrifice to praise Him. We are sacrificing our pain for His praise.
God’s Grace
It’s funny how life works, how our body and mind work, how God works. God’s grace is never more evident than when we bring the sacrifice of praise to Him. Praising and singing through our tears actually improves our outlook, our mind, and our body. Even when we are at our lowest, when we praise Him, He heals us and comforts us because He cares for us.
Worship and the Amygdala
According to Michael Liedke, D.N.P.’s article, Neurophysiological Benefits of Worship, praise and worship’s effects on the amygdala are tremendous! It down-regulates “the fight or flight mechanism (Boelens, Reeves, Replogle, & Koenig, 2010).” This reduces stress and also reduces the terrible “effects of chronic fight or flight” responses. It causes a “decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and serum markers of inflammation (Anderson & Nunnelley, 2016).” “This … also has measurable psychic effects, measurable decreases in depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and even posttraumatic stress have been identified and can be traced back to one daily action, worship (Simão, Caldeira, & Campos de Carvalho, 2016).” In fact, “these finding have been so robust, that incorporating prayer as part of the treatment plan for pathologies ranging from anxiety/depressive disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and disorders of chronic inflammation has been encouraged (Anderson & Nunnelley, 2016).”
How amazing is that?!
Tempted
So the next time you’re down, when you’re tempted just to wallow, don’t. Call on Jesus. Bring Him the sacrifice of your praise, and you will be amazed at what happens!
Be Blessed & Keep Thriving!
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
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