By Bishop David Oyedepo
Praise is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons, yet, many don’t know this. Those who know it have not really experienced it. It’s not just praise that works; it is high praises that work. It is ‘praise madness’ that results in strange greatness!

Last week, I showed you what is in praise. I said that the number one treasure in praise is the manifest presence of God! In continuation of this teaching, I will teach on What Happens in Praise. There are battles in your life that appear obviously mightier than your strength, and tougher than your wisdom. Because of the complex nature of the battles, you don’t know what else to do. You have done all you know to do, but all to no avail. It seems like you have come to your wits’ end.

In the case of the nation of Judah, when they were besieged by three other nations, they didn’t know what else to do. See how the Bible puts it: “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (II Chronicles 20:12).

Then the Spirit of God spoke through a prophet on what they had to do in that situation. II Chronicles 20:15 & 17 says: “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah…Thus saith the LORD…Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you…tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.”

Praise is the spiritual medium through which God takes over our battles. He said, “Set yourselves, do what I command you to do, and watch me in action as I take over your battle.” When the battle looks stronger than your capacity, wisdom demands that you pass it over to the One, who can deal with it. Praise is not a religious entertainment; it’s a spiritual weapon of war. Praise is a spiritual weapon that passes your battle over to God. Praise is not feeling good; it is stirring God into action.

Maybe you have tried your best, and things are not working the way you anticipate. God does not “try” to take over; He actually takes over. When He takes over, the battle is over! I don’t care what forces are arrayed against you; you are having a walkover as you engage in hot, high praise to God! High praises provoke God’s manifold presence. Do you want Him to do the unusual for you? Then tune in to high, wild praises. In the midst of your high praises, God will make you to ride upon your high places. Praise is a spiritual weapon that provokes divine visitation and intervention, culminating in divine manifestations.

Every story of scripture is to teach us what to do to get answers to our problems. Romans 15:4 puts it this way: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” Only high praises can reach the Most High God and secure His attention. High praises involve ‘heavy’ singing and dancing. For instance, King David danced with all his might to please God. Dance until your dance catches God’s attention (II Samuel 6:14).

Two instances in Scripture where God took over battles:

The first instance was when three nations besieged a nation called Judah, just as I told you last week. Judah had a king called Jehoshaphat. They were afraid and they didn’t know what or how to face the three warring nations. They lacked capacity to fight.

However, as they began to praise God, God took over their battle. How? He set ambushment against the enemies, and they were all smitten. God caused them to kill themselves, and none of them escaped (II Chronicles 20:22-24)!