Recap:

The beginning of a new year often inspires fresh vision, and for the church, it’s no different. As we step into 2025, a year filled with hope and expectation, we also face challenges. Unexpected events, like weather disruptions, can alter our plans, reminding us that God’s timing often takes precedence over ours. With that in mind, today’s message deviates from the originally planned series, offering instead a reflection on something timely, inspired by recent conversations and experiences.

In preparation for the year ahead, a recurring theme has emerged: the need to not only read the Bible but to truly know it. This awareness stems from heartfelt conversations within the church—young adults expressing a desire to connect with Scripture but feeling overwhelmed, and seasoned believers struggling to engage deeply with the text. Beyond the church walls, others admit to loving parts of the Bible while dismissing the rest, creating a patchwork faith that lacks the solidity of being deeply rooted in God’s Word.

This year, the church will embark on a journey called Rooted, a systematic exploration of Scripture designed to anchor our faith and guide our lives. As roots grow deep and draw life from the soil, so too will we draw strength and nourishment from God’s Word. A rooted life produces fruit, and in the context of faith, that fruit is unmistakably Christ-like.

But before launching into this year-long endeavor, let us pause and consider a simple yet profound truth found in one word: Hallelujah. This ancient exclamation, meaning “Praise the Lord,” is a powerful, multi-faceted call that transcends time and culture. It invites us to engage with God in three dynamic ways: commanding praise, communal praise, and conquering praise.

The psalmist writes in Psalm 42:11, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” These words serve as a reminder that even in seasons of discouragement, we have the ability to command our souls to praise the Lord.

Praise is not merely a reaction to favorable circumstances; it is a deliberate decision. Life often brings setbacks—personal disappointments, unfulfilled goals, or unexpected losses. In those moments, the discipline of praise shifts our focus from our circumstances to God’s faithfulness. As Psalm 103:1-5 recounts, we praise the Lord because He forgives sins, heals diseases, redeems lives, and crowns us with love and compassion. These truths compel us to speak to our souls, commanding them to remember God’s goodness.

Renowned preacher Martin Lloyd-Jones observed, “Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself.” This insight challenges us to actively engage our minds and spirits, speaking words of faith and hope that redirect us toward God’s promises.

While personal praise is vital, it is incomplete without the communal aspect. The psalmist’s invitation in Psalm 34:3—“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together”—emphasizes the joy of collective worship. When believers gather to lift their voices in unison, something transformative occurs. The atmosphere changes, hearts are encouraged, and God’s presence is tangibly felt.

C.S. Lewis offers a profound perspective on praise, noting that true enjoyment naturally overflows into it. Whether we are admiring a sunset, celebrating a victory, or experiencing God’s goodness, praise is the completion of our joy. As Lewis puts it, “Praise almost seems to be inner health made audible.” A healthy spirit instinctively praises, while a grumbling heart resists. Corporate worship magnifies this joy, creating a space where shared faith strengthens and uplifts the entire body of Christ.

Praise is not only a declaration of God’s goodness; it is also a weapon against the enemy. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. In this battle, praise becomes a powerful act of warfare.

Consider the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6. The Israelites’ obedience to God’s command culminated in a mighty shout of praise, causing the seemingly impenetrable walls to collapse. Their victory was not won through physical might but through faith and the power of praise.

Similarly, when we declare “Hallelujah” in the face of fear, doubt, or discouragement, we align ourselves with the truth of God’s sovereignty. Praise becomes a proclamation of victory, reminding both ourselves and the spiritual realm that Christ has already overcome.

As we step into this new year, let us embrace three practical steps to cultivate a life of Hallelujah:

  1. Command Your Soul: Begin each day by saying, “Hallelujah—Praise the Lord,” even before checking your phone or having your first cup of coffee. Declare God’s goodness over your life, setting the tone for the day ahead.
  2. Encourage Others: Share a message of praise with someone who needs encouragement. A simple text or conversation can remind them of God’s faithfulness and invite them to join in worship.
  3. Declare Warfare Praise: When faced with challenges, stop and declare “Hallelujah” as an act of faith. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, discouragement, or relational conflict, use praise to shift your perspective and claim God’s victory.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of praise, a powerful expression of our faith and a weapon against the enemy. May we command our souls to praise You, join with others in joyful worship, and wield Hallelujah as a declaration of Your victory. Root us deeply in Your Word this year, that we might bear fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Group Questions:

Icebreakers:

  1. If you could choose one word to focus on this year, what would it be and why?
  2. Share a memorable moment when you felt deeply connected to God through praise or worship.
  3. What’s one unexpected blessing or challenge you’ve experienced recently, and how did you respond?

Discussion Questions:

  1. The sermon mentioned three aspects of Hallelujah: commanding, communal, and conquering praise. Which one resonates with you the most, and why?
  2. How does the act of commanding your soul to praise God shift your focus during difficult times? Share an example if you feel comfortable.
  1. The church is embarking on the Rooted journey this year. What does being “rooted” in God’s Word mean to you, and how do you currently engage with Scripture?
  2. In the sermon, some believers were described as feeling overwhelmed or disengaged with the Bible. Have you ever felt that way? What helped you reconnect?
  1. Psalm 103:1-5 lists reasons to praise God (forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and compassion). Which of these has been most evident in your life recently?
  2. How does corporate worship strengthen your faith? Can you recall a specific instance when gathering with others in praise made a significant impact?
  1. The story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho illustrates the power of praise in overcoming challenges. Have you ever used praise as a weapon in a personal struggle? What was the outcome?
  2. How can declaring “Hallelujah” in the face of difficulties be an act of faith? What are some practical ways you can implement this in your life?
  1. The sermon encouraged three steps to cultivate a life of Hallelujah: commanding your soul, encouraging others, and declaring warfare praise. Which of these feels most natural to you, and which one do you want to grow in this year?
  2. How can the group support one another in staying rooted in Scripture and living a life of Hallelujah in 2025?

Closing Activity:

Have each person write down one praise declaration (e.g., “God is my refuge,” “His mercies are new every morning”) and share it with the group. Encourage them to use this declaration as a reminder throughout the week to command their souls to praise.