Posted by Psalm 105:1
“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done…”
This Psalm records the celebration of praise by Asaph and the singers at the direction of King David, on the day the Ark of God was brought from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The Ark was the representation of the Manifest Presence of God among His people. The scene in Jerusalem on that day was a powerful display of singing and dancing before the Lord, as they Praised Him by rehearsing His wondrous deeds among the people of Israel. They praised God for everything, from their deliverance out of Egypt to this day of celebration when the Ark entered the City (see 1 Chronicles 16:1-43).
We Are His Witnesses
Talking about the wonderful things that God is doing does have a powerful affect on the people who hear them. Faith is contagious and grows when we thank God and tell others what He has done for us. Answered prayers are testimonies that encourage those who hear them. We the Church being God’s Family of families, have a rich history of God’s supernatural interventions on our behalf. Walking with God for any length of time makes us eye witnesses to His handiwork. This is the very thing we’re called to in Christ (Luke 24:48 and Acts 1:8).
Many years ago churches would hold meetings just so the people could tell what God was doing for them. Hearing people from your own church tell their story of how God saved or healed them strengthens the faith of those who hear it and of those telling it. Many Churches over the years have experienced dramatic turn of events following a season of united prayer and fasting, coupled with special times just for hearing the people’s testimonies of what God was doing for them.
When we share a testimony we are magnifying God and demonstrating the devil’s defeat. Revelation 12:11 Says“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” Churches that allow their people to tell what God is doing among them usually have a stronger faith and enthusiasm for the things of God than churches that don’t.
When God answers your prayers tell the people around you about it because your testimonies are a force for good in the world. Don’t ever underestimate the power of telling others what God is doing for you. Let your answered prayers cause you to thank and praise God, and give others the chance to celebrate with you. God is magnified whenever we give our testimonies, and others respond by praising Him for it.
You need to tell your story because others need to hear it. You glorify God when you tell your story and others glorify Him when they’re encouraged to seek Him all the more for hearing you. Your testimony allows others to see evidence of God working in their midst. The excitement and faith that comes from the testimonies of people you know is absolutely contagious.
Let The Celebrations Begin
Every Church should have special Praise meetings to “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; and make known among the people what he has done…” We do this the first Wednesday of every month in our Church. We come together making no petitions, because it’s a special time to Bless and Praise God through song and our testimonies for what He’s done for us. These meetings are always marked by the unmistakable sense of God’s manifest Presence among us, like the ark returning to the city in David’s day; these are always joyous occasions for all who attend and participate.
Encourage your Church to hold regular meetings of Praise and testimonies. Why not get together occasionally in someone’s home for a time of sharing what God has been doing among you, and praise Him for it? Use your answered prayers to tell others what God is doing for you, Be excited about telling your story, Be filled with joy because of what you hear God doing for others, Be an eyewitness to His great handiwork, and Be Encouraged! -JSP