"All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Judah, one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred-these shall break camp first." Numbers 2:9 (NKJ)

When God delivered the children of Israel from the Egyptians and led them into the wilderness, He gave them specific instructions on how they would camp while they were in the wilderness and how they would leave.  The tribes of Israel would all camp around the Tabernacle of God; the Tabernacle was a tent where God's presence rested.  When God's presence moved from the Tabernacle the entire camp of Israel was to move.

God told Moses to have the tribe of Judah move first.  It is interesting that the word Judah literally means "praise".  It would be "praise" that would lead Israel through the desert; "praise" would always go first.  When it came time for Israel to enter the Land of Promise God had prepared for them, it would be the tribe of Judah that would lead them in.  "Praise" led the nation of Israel into the Promise Land!

The power of praise is amazing!  It always leads us to the promises of God.  Praise takes our attention off ourselves and puts it on the Lord, "the Giver of all good things".  If you are in the wilderness today wondering when and how you are going to get out, start praising God! Praise Him for who He is and not just what you've received from Him.  Praise God directly, and indirectly, by telling people of His goodness and mercy.  Charles Spurgeon said, "Praise is the honey of life which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace." If you are looking for your way into the promise land God has prepared for you start praising Him!   

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4 (NKJ)