Discourage the Devil

Image from Canva

The Battle is Real, but the Victory is Ours

We live in a world where good and evil battle daily—God against Satan. From the beginning, God established a path of righteousness for us to follow, a way cleared through the chaos. Yet, He also gave us the freedom to choose: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV)

When trials seem to come from every direction—family struggles, financial difficulties, health concerns, or spiritual attacks—the enemy’s strategy is to overwhelm us. He wants us to focus on fear and despair, stealing our joy so that we lose sight of God’s goodness and power. But we don’t have to give in to the devil’s schemes. Instead, we have a powerful weapon that sends him fleeing: praise!

Praise is Our Battle Cry! "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1, KJV). No matter what we face, our response should always be to praise God. Praise shifts our focus from our problems to our Provider. It reminds us of God’s past faithfulness and strengthens our faith for the battles ahead.

Praise Blocks the Enemy’s Attacks! "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hand" (Psalm 149:6, KJV). Praise is a spiritual weapon. When we worship, we declare that God is greater than our struggles. The enemy cannot stand in the presence of true worship because praise invites God into our circumstances. When Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were surrounded by their enemies, they didn’t fight with swords—they fought with praise! "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten"
(2 Chronicles 20:22, KJV). The moment they lifted their voices in praise, God confused the enemy, and their enemies were defeated without Judah lifting a single weapon. The same power is available to us today!

Shutting Out Fear with Worship

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,"
(Philippians 4:6, KJV).

Fear and anxiety may try to creep in, but the Bible tells us to replace worry with thanksgiving. The more we worship, the less room there is for doubt and fear. It may take time to shift our focus, but as we remind ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness, we will feel the fear lift and peace take its place.

Take these steps to Discourage the Devil Through Praise.

1. Begin with Thanksgiving – Think about the ways God has already come through for you. Even if you don’t feel like it, start speaking out gratitude. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4, KJV)

2. Sing or Speak Praise Aloud – Whether it’s through a worship song or just proclaiming God’s greatness, let your voice be heard. The enemy wants to silence you, but praise declares God’s authority over your life.

3. Repent and Realign – If anything is blocking your connection with God, ask for forgiveness. His love is waiting to restore you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, KJV)

4. Stay in the Word – God’s Word strengthens our faith and keeps us anchored in truth. The more scripture we fill our hearts with, the easier it is to praise in the midst of trials. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11, KJV)

5. Surround Yourself with Praise – Play worship music, read psalms aloud, or join a prayer group that lifts up God’s name. Keep the atmosphere of praise alive in your home and heart.

Prayer of Victory

Heavenly Father, I choose to praise You today, no matter what I am facing. I know that You are bigger than any challenge in my life. Help me to silence the enemy’s lies with worship and remind me of Your faithfulness. I cast down fear, worry, and discouragement, and I lift up my voice to glorify You. Let my praise be a weapon against every attack of the enemy. I thank You in advance for the victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What is something you can praise God for today, even in the middle of your struggle?

2. How does praise shift your perspective from fear to faith?

3. What scriptures can you meditate on to strengthen your praise life?

Let’s make praise our first response, not our last resort! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!