Marvin Sapp, Praise Him in Advance | Music Lifts

In the 38^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by gospel artist Marvin Sapp performing, “Praise Him in Advance.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 38^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “Praise Him in Advance” as performed by Marvin Sapp.

“Come on lets praise Him in advance.” Say what, Marvin Sapp? Praise Him, aka God, before moving in our favor? Now that requires faith! Notably, “Praise Him in Advance” is one of many gems from Sapp’s ultra-successful, 2007 album, Thirsty. Yes, the main lift – and it’s a good one – is “Never Would Have Made It”, a thoughtful contemporary gospel record that shocked the world and impacted the pop charts. Still, “Praise Him in Advance” keeps those good, uplifting, faithful vibes going strong – I can feel it in my biceps !

As is often the case with contemporary gospel, Marvin Sapp acknowledges the adversity and hardships. The first lines uttered are, “I’ve had my share of ups and downs / Times when there was no one around…” Of course, that’s when the big man upstairs – The Great I Am – comes into the picture! “GOD came and spoke these words wot me / Praise will confuse the enemy.” Think about that statement, and it’s % true.  In hard times, praise is the opposite of what many of us think to do.  We may pray, or, we may curse God and question him.  Praising him, though, in this context? That is truly boldness! In the chorus, Marvin does just that – praises him in advance:

“I started singing, I started clapping

I started dancing, people were laughing

They knew my problems, they knew my pain

But I knew God would take them away.”

That is a powerful message. Further confirmation comes as the praise is justified: “He’s given me a second a chance / Come on lets praise him in advance.” The spirit is lit on “Praise Him in Advance” where the pastor gives us an excellent word on this Deon Kipping penned gem.

Marvin Sapp • Thirsty • Sony Music Entertainment • 2007

Marvin Sapp, Praise Him in Advance: Music Lifts No. 38 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; cottonbro studio, Itzel  Sandoval, Neeraj Nagdeve via Pexels]