Scripture:
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!” (Psalm 100:4)
“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is beautiful.” (Psalm 33:1)
Reading:
“Thanks, Mom! You’re the best!” My teenage daughter cheered as she entered my room.
I plopped down on the edge of my bed enjoying her enthusiasm. I had given her a simple gift, an expression of my compassion toward her. I had picked up her room. As we sat side by side, it was a delight to hear my name attached to her joy.
Perhaps my full heart is a glimpse into how our Heavenly Father responds to our praise. Certainly, it is not a one-sided exchange. I imagine the Lord experiences something like you and I do when a loved one genuinely praises us. We are created in His image after all.
When we are praised, it captures our attention, and our affection and joy swell. How much more so for God? And He is with us. As we give Him praise, it is as though His love and joy overflow into our souls.
The language of the King James Version reveals a beautiful insight about praising God. “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)
God dwells in the praises of His children. It reminds me of sitting in that space side by side with my daughter enjoying her company as she expressed gratitude and praise.
As praise fills the air, the Lord, who is love, leans in. In fact, He says He surrounds you with His faithful love. I imagine praise to be something like spiritual CPR, breathing in and out love.
“…the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (Psalm 32:10-11)
That bit of praise from my daughter ended with renewed connection and remembrance of how special we are to one another. Before she headed back to her corner of our home, we were both filled with joy. How much more so when we praise our Heavenly Father!
Your Turn:
Read Psalm 100. Surrender again to Christ’s lordship and thank Him for being your good Shephard. Recognize that He is faithful love.
God is with you in your circumstances. His presence, plans, and promises are called to the forefront of your mind when you praise Him. How have you noticed His attributes in the past week, day, hour? Praise Him for these gifts.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my heart rejoices in You because I trust who You are. You are so faithful in Your care for me. I praise You for Your goodness. I love You. Amen.