1. Praise As Our Priority
January 15, 2017

2. Psalm 34:1-3
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

3. Introduction
This Psalm encapsulates what God wants us to pursue in 2017
Book of Psalms reveals the priority and power of worship as its central theme
Written by King David about God’s protection as we praise Him
Three fold focus for 2017 is:
Priority of Praise
Freedom from Fear
Walking in Wisdom

4. Praise is a Decision of the Will
I will bless the Lord
If we don’t praise Him, the rocks will cry out Luke 19:40
I will bless the Lord at all times
Blessing God is an act of adoration
Others will catch your enthusiasm and be influenced to praise Him

5. Praise Releases Faith & Joy in our Lives
Praise brings God’s presence Psalm 22:3
There is joy forevermore in His presence Psalm 16:11
Praise brings the peace of God Isaiah 26:3
Praise energizes your faith Isaiah 40:29-31
We need to offer the sacrifice of praise when we don’t feel like it
Hebrews 13:15
We can always find a reason to praise Him!

6. Praise Breaks Down Strongholds
God can work miraculously through our praises Joshua 6, Acts 16
As we praise Him, strongholds in our lives break down
Praise will defeat the enemy in your life!
Praise will defeat any negativity in your life! Psalm 103:2-4

7. Conclusion Praise is a decision Praise releases faith and joy
Praise breaks down strongholds