When God says it’s time to praise the Lord, we need to know exactly what He means, and what He expects from us. We have learnt that our praises must include the lifting of our hands in surrender and kneeling and bowing in reverence and adoration.
Let’s take a look at another one of the seven Hebrew words for praise, that teach us how to praise and worship God in an acceptable manner.
3. HALAL
“Halal” is a primary Hebrew root word for praise; from which we get the word “hallelujah.” It means “to be clear, to praise, to shine, to boast, to show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish.”
It flows from a heart that knows and is overwhelmed by the awesomeness of God, and wants to make Him known. You really do not mind getting “undignified” in expressing your praises before God.
Psalm 34:1-3 TPT
“[1] Lord! I’m bursting with joy over what you’ve done for me! My lips are full of perpetual praise. [2] I’m boasting of you and all your works, so let all who are discouraged take heart. [3] Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together. Let’s make him famous! Let’s make his name glorious to all.”
It is not always easy to praise God this way, especially if you are dispositionally restrained and not used to expressing yourself in an uninhibited manner. Also this could be a challenge when we are facing trials, testings or hardship. However, I have discovered that the best time to “raise a praise (halal)”is when you don’t feel like it!
I remember when I was unwell in 2013; the doctors could not really tell what was wrong with me. I was preaching somewhere and I collapsed and was taken into hospital; afterwards, I was unwell for a while. Then fear began to build up in me as I heard the enemy constantly whispering, “You’re going to die.”
One day, I replied to that horrible voice, “Every time you tell me I’m going to die, I’m going to praise God.” The next time I heard that that voice, I got up and began to sing and gingerly dance. This happened a few more times and then the whispering stopped. Needless to say, I don’t know exactly when I get better, but as I continued to praise God, I soon recovered.
We must be determined and deliberate in our efforts to praise God. We must also be extravagant in our affection towards God, wiling to let others know what we think and how we feel about Him!
Psalm 148:13-14 NASBS
“[13] Let them praise (halal) the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. [14] And He has lifted up a horn for His people, praise (halal) for all His godly ones; even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise (halal) the LORD!”
If you have never raised a “halal” or praised God in such a manner, then I need to share another one of my “crazy” praise songs with you. It’s called “OMG!” (O My God), by Tim Godfrey. Click on this link to listen to it on YouTube https://youtu.be/56xyOFPJNvg?si=ldWBq7yhwjACc_J0
You may also watch the video below, as we sang and danced to the same song, OMG, in praising God at the Women In Tune 20th Anniversary Dinner in Mombasa Kenya! That was joyful and hilariously awesome. Hope it encourages you to rise up and raise a praise!
Psalm 113:1-3 NASBS
“[1] Praise (halal) the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise (halal) the name of the LORD. [2] Blessed (barak) be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forever. [3] From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised (halal).” AMEN!!
For Further Reading: 2 Samuel 14:25; 1 Chronicles 16:4; 2 Chronicles 7:6; Ezra 3:10-11; Nehemiah 5:13; Nehemiah 12:24; Psalms 18:3; Psalm 56:4; Psalm 63:5; Psalm 150:1-4; Isaiah 62:9; Jeremiah 20:13; Joel 2:26
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)