[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:18-21 AMP

Faith is defined as: confidence or trust in a person or thing; a belief that is not based on observed proof or evidence. Abraham had no proof – other than God’s promise to him – that he would have a son. According to his and Sarah’s advanced age and her barrenness, it was physically and naturally impossible. However, he still continued to unwaveringly believe and trust in God’s word to him. In fact, with every passing year, his faith grew stronger, rather than weaker! The scripture tells us that Abraham grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.

Praise and faith go hand in hand!

Abraham praised God and gave Him glory and all the time his faith was also being strengthened. Ephesians 1:12 AMP says, “So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!” When we put our confidence in Father God and in Jesus Christ, we have a reason to praise and rejoice! At the same time, praising Him and rejoicing in His goodness, strengthens our faith in Him.

For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances. Philippians 3:3 AMP

But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father’s] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]. Hebrews 3:6 AMP

A true follower of Christ puts no confidence in the flesh, but in God’s word alone. A true follower is also a true worshiper. We are indeed members of the household of faith if we hold fast and firm to the end, with a joyful and exultant confidence in our hope, who is Christ. We don’t praise God only because everything is going well for us – we praise Him no matter what the circumstances – we praise Him because He is the answer to our problems and the way out of our predicament. We praise Him for all He has done, for all He is doing and especially for all He is going to do!

I like what it says in Hebrews 3:6 (AMP) also: that we should have a “sense of triumph”! Hallelujah! We can praise and worship God in hope, with a sense that we have already won the battle – and indeed we have for Jesus has already defeated our foe! We WILL triumph – we WILL be victorious – if we keep believing and if we keep praising! If praise and worship – in faith – to God could bring Jericho’s impenetrable walls down, then praise and worship and faith will bring down any walls that the devil has erected against you!

Here are some scriptures that demonstrate faith and worship in action and the wonderful benefits of both:

In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 AMP

O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith); I will sing, yes, I will sing praises, even with my glory [all the faculties and powers of one created in Your image]! Psalms 108:1 AMP

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise. Psalms 64:10 AMP

And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. Psalms 40:3 AMP

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalms 5:11 AMP

What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me? Psalms 56:3-4 AMP

For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. 6 Upon You have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You. 7 I am as a wonder and surprise to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalms 71:5-8 AMP