Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
PRAISE
Wired for Praise
1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 100:1-4, 113:3, 108:3
By J.D. Griffith
As we learned previously, we are a chosen people. We are set apart to shine
our light for all to see. God has a plan for us—a plan for our lives. We
instinctively are who we are and do what we do because we are His creation.
It is a good feeling that He made us to like doing what we enjoy.
Following His plan for our lives won’t be anything we wouldn’t do by our own
choice, anyway. God made it simple, easy for us to be how He wired us to be.
He also wired us to give Him praise. This seems rather odd, doesn’t it? But
notice the birds chirping and listen to their songs. They are doing what
they’re wired to do. They think it’s natural. Sometimes we enjoy hearing
their song, sometimes we’re aggravated about having been awaken from a sound
sleep. But we cannot blame them. It’s in their nature to praise their
creator.
Giving our Father praise is something else that He’s made easy for us to do.
Because life can be hard, we struggle with circumstances, disappointments or
pain. Our minds are steeped in our troubles. But He knows how to stop our
worries, if only we’d pay attention to Him. His Word commands us to pray.
This is not commanded to feed God’s immense ego; it’s for our benefit.
Praying to God and lifting Him up in praise unifies a divided heart, and
ends our worrying.
When we begin praising God, start with thanking Him by remembering His
blessings in times past. I do this first thing, before getting out of bed.
It’s a great way to start my day. My focus is on Him rather than my
troubles. By listing all the things He’s been faithful to in answering your
prayers, you count on both hands of fingers. And while you’re at it, say a
prayer for His lifting the current burden from your shoulders. Ask for His
help to find a solution, fix the problem, heal your pain. Soon, you’re
smiling and He’s glorified. He’s made life easy for us once again. Now our
day is off to a supernatural start.
Kids love to play, yell, and tussle. This gives our Father in Heaven
pleasure; He is praised by our simple delight to play together.
Praising the Lord is one of the principle themes in Scripture. It’s to be
joyful, throughout the day, in the presence of others. It’s mutual
admiration between the Creator and His beloved creation. And everyone’s
blessed.