Marvin Sapp - Praise Him in Advance Lyrics

Praise Him in Advance

Praise Him in Advance Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on March 17, 2011, Marvin Sapp's "Praise Him in Advance" landed not just as a song, but as a spiritual anthem for anyone walking through uncertainty. At its core, the song articulates a profound act of faith: choosing to thank and glorify God for a victory or breakthrough before it has physically manifested. It’s born from a place of deep trust, acknowledging that while our current circumstances might look bleak or challenging, we serve a God whose plans for us are good, a God who is sovereign over the outcome. The message doesn't ignore the reality of struggle; instead, it offers a dynamic spiritual posture to adopt while *in* the midst of it. It suggests that our praise is not merely a reaction to blessing, but can be a proactive weapon or an expression of confident assurance even when the situation seems impossible. This theme is a powerful reflection of the believer's journey, where faith is often tested most severely when we cannot see the way forward.

The power of "Praise Him in Advance" lies in its ability to translate a complex theological concept – faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) – into a practical, actionable response. It echoes the faith of Abraham, who, according to Romans 4:17, "calls into being things that were not." This isn't about denying the difficulty of the trial, but about affirming the greater reality of God's power and faithfulness *within* the trial. The song encourages an internal shift, moving from focusing on the problem to focusing on the Problem-Solver. It's a vocal declaration of trust, aligning one's spirit with the promised outcome rather than the present struggle. This kind of praise in anticipation requires a deep-seated belief in God's character – that He is good, that He keeps His promises, and that He is capable of working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Biblically, the concept of praising God before the battle is won is powerfully illustrated in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. Facing a vast army, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were instructed by God not to fear, but to stand firm and see the deliverance. Their response was not to muster more soldiers, but to send out singers in holy attire to praise the Lord as they went before the army. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, and they were defeated without Judah having to strike a blow. This historical account provides a vivid backdrop for Sapp's message: that there is a spiritual power released when we choose faith-filled praise in the face of overwhelming opposition. It demonstrates that sometimes, God's strategy for our victory involves us lifting our voices in worship and thanksgiving, not because the circumstances are good, but because He is.

Furthermore, the song connects with the New Testament exhortation to approach God with thanksgiving in all circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, *with thanksgiving*, to present our requests to God. The result is the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. "Praise Him in Advance" embodies this principle, positioning thanksgiving not as an afterthought, but as a front-line response that ushers in God's peace and intervention. It’s an active form of spiritual warfare, choosing to believe and declare God's finished work over the enemy's attempts to sow doubt and despair. It grounds the believer in the assurance that God's word is true and His promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20), giving solid ground for praising what is not yet seen as though it already were.

In essence, Marvin Sapp’s "Praise Him in Advance" serves as a compelling musical sermon, challenging listeners to elevate their perspective from the temporal to the eternal, from the problem to the Promise-Keeper. It’s a call to spiritual courage, reminding us that our God is bigger than any challenge we face and that our faith, expressed through proactive praise, is a potent force. It encourages resilience, grounding hope not in favorable conditions, but in the unwavering faithfulness and power of God, who has already secured the victory on our behalf. The song inspires a deeper level of trust, inviting everyone facing a trial to lift their voice in praise, confident that the One who began a good work will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).