I have often heard people talking about their love languages, a term first used by Gary Chapman in 1992 in his work with couples. We are unique individuals and the concept of love languages can be a useful way to communicate emotional needs and actions in a relationship. Praise is how we let God know what we think of Him, and how we feel about Him. Perhaps we could ask: “What’s your praise language?”
God is pretty clear what He wants from us: our heart, our love, our adoration, devotion, obedience and commitment. He wants all of us, wholeheartedly and without hesitation, freely and completely. Everything else we do must flow from this place of love for Him. That’s the heart of praise, a deep love for God, based on who He is, and not only on what He can do for us.
The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines praise as: “1: to express a favorable judgment of: commend 2: to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections”
So how do we express this favorable judgment or glorify? Is there a right way and a wrong way? Is there only one way? Sometimes we get ourselves all tied up in knots trying to do it the “right way” and end up not praising at all. Sometimes “churched” people can scare new followers of Christ away from praise because churched people “know” how to do it right. This is so far from the truth! O sure, there are lovely songs and words spoken that may inspire others, which is a wonderful gift to have. But those lovely songs or words are not necessary. My mouth may move in worship, repeating words while my heart is cold and empty. That’s not praise.
Praise may look like a song, a chant, a dance, a poem, a spoken word, a piece of art. It may have words that inspire others, or it may have simple words that carry great personal meaning. It may have vibrant colors that reflect the beauty of creation, or an abstract swirl of light and dark. It may involve raised hands or a bowed head, graceful swirling fabric or a prostrate form. What’s your praise language?
Praise should not involve any words or actions that are contrary to the Word of God. It should never glorify us or pull attention away from Him. Praise should not come from a place of “have to” but a place of “want to”. Even when we are commanded to praise Him, as in Psalm 150, it must still come from a place of deep gratitude to and love for our Lord.
“1Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.” Psalm 150:1-2
Praise lets God know our heart for Him, lets the world know about our glorious God, and brings Him closer to us. Psalm 22:3 tells us that God is “enthroned” in or “inhabits” the praises of His people: “Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.” The simple act of praise has the ability to draw us closer to God and Him closer to us. That is a beautiful place to be!
What is your praise language? What ever it is, don’t be afraid to let it out boldly so your Lord knows how you feel about Him, and you can draw closer to Him. When you are resting at the feet of the Light of the world, look up and see who He is. As you sit in His marvelous light and take in His glory and majesty, I hope that you cannot stop yourself from bursting out in your praise language. He is worthy of every single piece of your praise!
Living in the Light of the world 