Give God Joy!

We’ve all witnessed the heartwarming scene many times… a mother with her young child on her lap. The child, unable to speak words, expresses herself with smiles and affection, communicating to her mother the adoration in her heart more clearly than any poet who has ever lived. Her mother basks in the child’s praise, not because she is flattered by it, but because it communicates the sincerest love.

What an echo this is of our Heavenly relationship!

“But You are holy, O You Who dwell in the praises of Israel.”

~ Psalm 22:3

There was a time when I struggled to understand this verse, thinking it conveyed a kind of egotistical pride in God. Why would He covet our praises? Then one day, I had a small epiphany…

…God cherishes worship, not because He loves praise, but because He loves His children.

How can we – imperfect and unholy – bring joy to a holy God? Yet God’s word declares, “They have brought you joy.”

Who has the privilege of bringing joy to the Savior? His Church—His people. But how is this possible?

In experiencing Him, we learn that He brings us joy, but how could we ever bring Him joy?

“By our love. See, loving heart, how He delights in you. When you rest your head on His chest, you not only receive joy but give it to Him; when you gaze lovingly at His glorious face, you not only find comfort but give Him delight. Our praise also brings Him joy—not just the song from our lips, but the melody from our hearts filled with deep gratitude. He loves us, not because of the value of our gift, but because of the love that motivates it.” – CH Spurgeon

Rejoice in the Lord today with praises!

“The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. ~ Zephaniah 3:17 AMP