Words

Words

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies.

Psalm 107:1-2

Young children often get their words mixed up. My kids used to say hangaburger instead of hamburger and skabetti instead of spaghetti. Perhaps one of the more memorable word slips for our two-year-old son, Chad, was his version of a children’s praise song. Instead of “Praise him, Praise him, all ye little children,” he sang “Praise him, Praise him, naughty little children.” When one of our friends from church heard Chad singing the incorrect—albeit cute—version of the song, he remarked, “Well, he does have his theology straight.”

Only in heaven does God hear perfect praise. This side of heaven, there’s just no such thing. If we waited until we were “good enough,” praise would never happen. But isn’t that the point? Isn’t that exactly why we praise him? None of us are good enough! We praise God because of what he has done in sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and provide forgiveness, healing, and hope for us all.

Seeing God take care of me and provide for me in the middle of my neediness is one thing that prompts me to praise him. In fact, I’ve noticed that great trials often prompt great praise. When I see how strong and righteous God is compared to how weak and needy I am, it’s hard to keep that kind of good news to myself.

Father,

Thank you that you love us so much that you want to hear our imperfect praises. May we be willing to speak out and tell others what you have done for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.