Are you feeling defeated? like the world is against you and the devil is out to get you? Trust us; we’ve all been there. But let us tell you something—praise confuses the devil. It may sound cliche, but it’s true. Imagine this: You get sacked from your job because someone plotted evil against you. But the next day, you go on smiling at the perpetrators, and then you continue dancing and jumping. The perpetrator will be confused, won’t they? They will be wondering if their mischief has been exposed or if you have gotten a better-paying job.

That’s the power of prayer and praise. In Acts 16:25–26, Paul and Silas prayed and sang in a prison cell. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the foundations of the prison were shaken. All the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosened. In I Corinthians 14:15, we are told to sing and pray with both spirit and understanding. And in II Chronicles 20:18, 21–22, when Jehoshaphat and his people praised God, the Lord set ambushments against their enemies, and they were smitten.

So when things seem hopeless, don’t give up. Instead, go boldly to the throne of grace and praise the God who can turn things around. In Africa, we have special praise instruments. You can get yourself a tambourine, a flute, a beaded shekere—anything that can make a joyful noise—and dance like you know the God you serve. Have this mindset: praise God for all reasons and for no reason as well.

The best part of this is that you can make this a lifestyle and not an occasional ceremony like David in the Bible (yes, dance like David danced).

Praise God!