Boast Up! – I Will Make My Boast in the Lord!

Boast Up! -I Will Make My Boast In the Lord!

A few weeks ago I overheard a group of my male coworkers talking, no – debating over whose team/player was the best and why. This wasn’t a calm, casual, chattering of indifference. On the contrary, this conversation overflowed with passion, conviction, and faith. They were throwing up stats, mapping out strategic plays, and investigating the odds of their players winning under various conditions. Much thought and consideration was expressed, with the occasional disagreeing outburst from a participant. They talked about these teams and players like they had invested their life’s savings in them, like there was no possibility of them losing. These guys debating over sports were borderline emotional over whose team was better. I don’t think that it was an accident or coincidence that I witnessed this conversation. I actually was trying my best to ignore it, but it was like the Holy Spirit was telling me to pay attention. It was as if He was trying to remember the last time someone openly displayed that much confidence in Him. It is amazing how we can be so sure about somethings that we are interested in, to the point of betting or making promises but when it comes to the Lord we just flake out.

Now I am not saying that we should make outrageous claims using the Lord’s name or Word that do not reflect His heart or intentions towards His people. I am saying that privately and publicly we can boldly testify to the goodness of the Lord. And for those people who seem to always be in a battle with the enemy (I understand where you are coming from) get bold and start telling that devil how powerful, undefeated and victorious Jesus is! It may sound fanatical and seem like it shouldn’t take all of that, but actually boasting our confidence in the Lord is the essence of what it is to praise. Halal is a word that is translated for praise in the Bible, it is actually referenced over 110 times in scripture. This word means to shine, to make a show, to boast; and be clamorously foolish in celebration. (Definition paraphrased from http://www.tehillahword.com/7_types_of_praise) This is important because there are religious traditions and teachings that would have us to believe that the only way to connect with God is through solemn still silence. It is nothing wrong with resting in the peace of God or pondering over the Word of God in silence, but when the enemy is up in your face with discouragement or other “gods” attempt to exalt themselves in your life it is time to make your boast in the Lord!

This principle is clearly demonstrated in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. In this familiar story Goliath, the Philistine war champion, was taunting and attempting to provoke the Israelite army headed by King Saul into battle. Goliath was insulting and vexing them to the point that no one from the Israelite army wanted to fight against him. To make a long story short, when David heard about the challenge to fight Goliath and that he would get to marry King Saul’s daughter if he won, David decided to take it on. King Saul attempted to give David armor and weapons, but they were of no use to him because they did not fit him and he was not accustomed to using them. However David was armed and dangerous with his sling, five smooth stones, and most importantly his praise! Goliath tried to intimidate David by laughing at his appearance, then he cursed David by his Philistine gods (1 Sam 17:42-43). He started telling David all of the terrible things that he wanted to do to him if he were able to kill him. (1 Sam 17:44). The first thing David said to Goliath is that he was there to fight him in the name of the Lord. Then he proclaimed that God was going to deliver Goliath in to his hand, and that by God’s power he would have the victory over him and all of the Philistines. (1 Sam 17: 45-47). Now we know the outcome of the story – David has a miraculous victory and kills Goliath enabling the Israelite army to pursue and defeat the Philistines. The main point of mentioning this story is that boasting in the Lord countered against what the enemy had spoken and supernaturally opened up space for triumph and victory!

Boasting in the Lord gets God’s attention. What father doesn’t love to hear his children bragging and expressing their confidence in him? This is the very reason why songs like “Good Good Father,” “Our God is an Awesome God,” and countless others usher us into the Presence of our Mighty God. It is the reason why counting blessings and studying the names and characteristics of God is edifying during times of overwhelming pressure and stress. It is also why encouraging someone else to trust in the Lord reinforces our own faith and trust in the Lord. If there is any trace of doubt or insecurity in your life, stir up your faith by boasting in the Lord.

Boasting in the Lord is an act of resetting our confidence and faith in the Lord. Here are some verses on having confidence in the Lord:

¹⁷ “If you say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I am; how can I dispossess them?’ ¹⁸ you shall not be afraid of them; you shall remember [with confidence] what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt— ¹⁹ the great trials which you saw with your own eyes, and the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out. So shall the Lord your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. –Deuteronomy 7:17-19 AMP

The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him. –Psalm 28:7 AMP

Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. –Psalm 37:3 AMP

In the [reverent] fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will [always] have a place of refuge. –Proverbs 14:26 AMP

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe. –Proverbs 29:25 AMP

[God Is the Source of Salvation and Light] But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. –Micah 7:7 AMP

The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]… -Habakkuk 3:19 AMP

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. –Matthew 21:21 ESV

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. –Romans 15:4 AMP

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. –Romans 15:13 AMP

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].  -Hebrews 4:16 AMP

Let Us Pray: Father God You are magnificent, glorious, and worthy to be praised. Lord we come to make our boast in You and to remind You of our confident faith and trust in You! Lord we know disappointing it is when someone does not believe in us, so we apologize and repent for all of the times that we had unbelief and doubt towards You. Lord You have always been there for us, and we appreciate and thank You for being a Healer, Provider, Protector, Prince of Peace, and our Victorious King! Lord You always show Yourself Strong on our behalf! You are not a wimpy, weak, or worn out God – No You are the WINNING, Triumphant, Overcoming Warrior King! Lord God You deserve the glory and our celebration of You whether it is something big like a promotion or healing or small like a parking spot or lunch money. Lord You deserve the glory regardless of how we feel or what we are going through. Lord are faithfully working behind the scenes to make sure that we have what we need to advance Your Kingdom in the earth. Lord right now we ask for fortification, strengthening, and renewed holy boldness to proclaim Your goodness and love. Lord please forgive us for cheering, praising, and giving more credit to anyone or anything other than to You. We pull down every high thing that wants to take Your place in our lives and agree that You alone are the only God over us in the Mighty name of Jesus. Holy Spirit help us to speak faith, passion, and conviction on the things that matter to You. Let us not shrink back in fear of man, but boldly proclaim Your power with holy boldness in the Mighty name of Jesus. Lord we are not asking for a license to speak recklessly, Lord we are ask for You to guide our words and help us to express our trust in You in public and in private in the mighty name of Jesus. Lord we acknowledge You greatness and magnify You now over every issue problem, concern, or worry that tries to lift itself up over us in the name of Jesus. We declare right now that You are greater, You are Higher, and You Lord are All Powerful!! No one can defeat You! No one can kill You! And No one can outwit You! Lord we are honored and privileged to be on Your team, to be in Your family, and to just have You in our lives! Help us to live every day in expression of this revelation in Jesus name AMEN!

Blessings Always,

Dionne Renae

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