We Worship First

She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah.” Genesis 29:35.

In the above scripture we read that Leah gives birth to Judah, her last child, whose name means praise.

Leah’s story is wrought with pain. She was never part of Jacob’s plan. On the long awaited day of his betrothal to Rachel, his future father-in-law schemed a plan to have his eldest daughter marry Jacob. Tables turned and the deceiver became the deceived. The morning after the wedding, Jacob unveiled his wife and realized that Laban did him and his daughters a disservice.

The Bible doesn’t go into depth about Leah’s pain or her families dynamic. How embarrassing would it be to be forced into marrying your younger sister’s fiancée, just because you were not married? How painful would it be to be married to someone who did not love you at all? Can you imagine how lonely it would be to share your home with someone whose heart is somewhere else?

However, we learn that when Leah gives birth for the final time, she said, “this time I will praise the Lord.” Praise will get us through difficult times. Judah caused Leah to praise her creator; he brought her joy. Names in the Bible hold so much weight; it often gives us insight to the future events in scripture.

Judges 1:1-2, After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”

A few weeks ago in mid-week Bible study, the minister spoke, “We Worship First,” and taught about importance of the tribe of Judah. Through study of scripture we learn that before battle, Israel would always send out the tribe of Judah first. They would send out the PRAISERS and WORSHIPERS first.

Even today, it is the trick of the enemy to steal our praise. Our mind is a battlefield and the devil wants nothing more to destroy your peace, but a way to combat his devices is to worship God.

Regardless of what you are going though right now, go before the battle with praise and worship. Shout unto the Lord with a voice of triumph first. Praise first. Worship first.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are imprisoned, with chains and fetters around their limbs and hands. However, at midnight, they sang praises to God. All of their bonds were loosed and they were set free.

If you’re going through a difficult and grievous situation, it is time to worship. It might be the midnight hour, but it’s time to praise. Maybe you’re in the darkest battle of your life, but it’s time to sing unto the Lord.

Today, I’m praying that your battles will be won. I believe that some chains will be loosed and hopeful that you will be victorious. Let’s go into our prayer closet and worship God first.