"For our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil, in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6.12
The highest expression of faith is to learn to thank God at all times, even before the enemy armies. In so doing, the Lord Himself intervenes immediately and powerfully on our behalf. The praise glorifies Him, for it leads to the worship of His exalted person. Praise and adoration form the prelude to the victorious prayer that the Lord Jesus taught us: "Therefore, pray thus: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." But it's even more so. Praise is the door to the presence of God: "... You shall call ... at your doors Praise." Praise operates the actual consent, through which we can enter the courts of God: "Enter into his gates with gracious deeds, and into his courts with hymns of praise: give thanks unto him, and bless his name." Thank and praise - why? Answer: Thank Him for His ineffable gift, Jesus Christ; praise Him and render Him thanks for His precious blood shed for us!