Sometimes when I read the Bible, I come across a verse that sounds great (I mean, how could it not—it’s the inspired Word of God), but after I read it, I’m left wondering, “And how exactly does that work?”

Psalm 8:2 is one of them. It says:

“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Jesus quoted it when the chief priests objected to children shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” in the temple. He responded:

“Have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?” (Matthew 21:16).

I get the first part—God ordains or desires praise from everyone, even the youngest among us. But what about the second part? How does praise establish a stronghold or silence the enemy?

That’s a powerful thought—praise, especially from the weakest and powerless, has the power to shut down the enemy. If that’s true, then maybe we need to rethink how we approach spiritual battles. So how exactly does praise work as a weapon of victory?

1. Praise Declares God’s Rule

The enemy thrives on deception. He wants us to believe God really isn’t in control, that our problems are bigger than our God, and that we’re alone in the fight. But when we praise, we make a declaration: God reigns, no matter what.

That’s exactly what happened in 2 Chronicles 20 when Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming enemy army. Instead of preparing for battle, he sent out singers ahead of the army to praise God. And what happened?

“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab… who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:22)

Israel didn’t even have to fight—the battle was won by worship. Their praise didn’t just acknowledge God’s greatness; it activated His power. When we praise, we shift our focus from our problems to God’s rule. And when we do that, the enemy loses his power.

2. Praise Disrupts the Enemy

When we praise God in struggle or pain, it catches the devil off guard. He expects us to react with worry, fear, or frustration, but when we respond with worship, we disrupt his strategy.

A great example is Paul and Silas in Acts 16. Beaten and chained in prison, they had every reason to sink into despair. But instead of complaining, they did something radical:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25)

And what happened?

“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:26)

Their praise didn’t just bring personal freedom—it transformed the entire situation. What the enemy meant for harm; God used for good. Even their jailer came to faith.

Praise isn’t just something we do after God moves—it’s often what causes the breakthrough. When we worship in the face of trouble, we dismantle the enemy’s lies and invite God’s power into the situation.

3. Praise Silences Accusations

One of Satan’s primary tactics is accusation. He whispers lies, reminds us of past failures, and makes us question God’s goodness. Revelation 12:10 calls him “the accuser of the brethren.” But do you know what shuts him up? Praise.

Isaiah 61:3 says God gives us “the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Praise replaces the enemy’s accusations with God’s truth.

David illustrates this. When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, David played his harp and worshiped, and the spirit left him.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)

David didn’t fight the spirit. He didn’t try to argue with it. He simply worshiped. And in doing so, the oppressive spirit fled.

When we feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts, we don’t have to fight in our own strength. Praise drowns out the enemy’s voice and fills the atmosphere with God’s presence.

Praise as a Battle Cry

Psalm 8:2 reminds us that praise isn’t just a response to victory—it’s a weapon that brings it. The enemy’s goal is to silence us, but when we praise, we silence him instead.

So, Feeling anxious? Praise God for His faithfulness. Facing opposition? Worship the One who fights for you. Struggling with doubt? Declare His promises out loud.

Praise isn’t about pretending life is easy—it’s about proclaiming that God is greater. So whatever battle you’re facing today, don’t let the enemy steal your song. Lift up your praise as a battle cry. And watch as God moves in ways you never expected.

“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2)