The Hebrew word “Yadah” means the extending of the hands as in praise to God. It takes effort on our part to willingly lift our hands to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Praise and worship is an act of our will and requires more than just a smile or a tear. God inhabits the praises of his people, which means He lives or dwells in the midst of praise. When he is exalted by us, it enables his power to be manifested, for where he is so are his attributes. In the book of Mark chapter five, the woman with the issue of blood had a dilemma. She could remain as she was, hemorrhaging constantly, or take a chance of being stoned for even approaching the prophet. By law she was considered unclean and should have kept the required distance away. The scripture says she said within herself that if she could touch the hem of his garment, she would be made whole. No doubt she was familiar with the Holy Scripture, and she knew the High priest was anointed with oil on their head which flowed all the way down to the border of his robe as Aaron was. She recognized Jesus as sent from God, and knew that He carried the same anointing. The anointing which would remove her blood issue and destroy the yoke of insufficiency in that she had spent all she had. When she extended her hand and touched the hem of the Master’s garment, virtue or power was released and she got Jesus’ attention. The Savior was minding his own business on his way to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter, but this woman’s “Yadah” brought Jesus to her house first. She was made whole because she took action on the Word of God she had in her heart. Her praise “stilled the enemy and avenger” in her life.
Likewise, our praise brings everything Jesus has done into our present circumstances. Our willing and heartfelt, sincere praise, just like prayer, makes the power available to us. Jesus has already done what needed to be done for our deliverance. It’s our responsibility to access what has been made available. For example, the power company is only responsible for providing the electricity and routing it to your house. However, it is up to you to flip the switch and turn the lights on. Otherwise, you will be in the dark although the power is available. It’s up to you to plug in the appliance necessary to do what you need done. It is your praise that flips the switch. Praise him with singing, dance, instruments, in prayer, with all your heart. Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord.
© Fredrick F. Nicholson all rights reserved
