Every person has a sound. With our words, we’re creating an atmosphere. Some people’s sound is worry: “What if it doesn’t work out?” Other people’s sound is discouragement: “It’s never going to change.” Or it’s the sound of not enough: “I can’t get ahead.” Those sounds will keep you limited. That atmosphere will bring defeat and lack. But there is a sound that heaven responds to, a sound that brings healing, favor, and breakthroughs. It’s the sound of praise.
The Scripture says, “God inhabits the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). Other versions say that God is enthroned on our praises. God shows up when you talk about how big He is, not when you complain or talk about how big the problem is. When you go around thanking God for His goodness and bragging on what He’s done, you’re putting God on the throne. You’re making Him bigger than the worry, the discouragement, or the problem. That’s the sound that causes angels to go to work. That’s the sound that opened prison doors in the midnight hour for Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25–26). That’s the sound that turns enemies into footstools, that takes stumbling blocks and makes them into stepping-stones.
What sound are you creating? “Oh, it’s been rough. I lost a big client. I don’t see how I can make it.” That’s the wrong sound. Don’t use your words to describe the situation; use your words to change the situation. Start thanking God for what He promised you. “Lord, thank You that You’re supplying all of my needs. You say that even in famine I would have more than enough.” That’s the sound that gets God’s attention. You can’t talk defeat and have victory. You can’t talk sickness and have health. Get a new sound. You have to change your atmosphere.
The apostle Paul says, “Be continually filled with the Spirit…making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18–19). That means to be joyful, cheerful, having a song of praise, always thanking God for what He’s done, talking about His goodness. This is not something you do just when things are going your way; this should be a lifestyle. Under your breath, all through the day, in the midst of difficult situations, you’re constantly making melody, speaking His promises, declaring what He says about you. When God hears that melody coming from your heart, He sends angels with answers, favor, peace, and breakthroughs. That’s what He inhabits. That’s how you’re going to overcome adversity and outlast the opposition—not by complaining, not by begging God or telling Him how bad it is. When He hears you praising through the pain and worshiping in the difficulties, having a good attitude when it’s not fair, all the forces of darkness cannot stop you.