Jumping in Praise

Surrounded by third and fourth graders, my heart swirled in their chatter. Vacation Bible School was in full swing, and so were their bodies. Jumping up and down to the music, clapping their hands, and following the motions of the leader, they sang, “Pra-i-se Him!” Watching their faces beam with enthusiasm, I was caught up in the joy. How the Father must love to hear the praise of children.

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

~Psalm 8:2 NKJV

Roget’s Thesaurus says ordained means to confer holy orders upon, appoint, or deputize. God has given children marching orders to silence foes with their lips and deputized them to quiet the enemy through praise.

Shouting Praises

Matthew 21:15 records “the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’” (NKJV)! Where were the adults? The priests and the teachers of the law were indignant. They were more upset about their legalism being challenged than seeing the beauty of children in the sanctuary.

Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!”

~Matthew 11:25-26 TLB

Praising as a Lifestyle

What does it mean to have a childlike faith? My NIV footnotes say a humble faith is one that surrenders pride. When I am too proud to learn from others, I am not teachable. God loves it when we learn from Him.

Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.

~Matthew 18:2-5 MSG

Just as He called that child, Jesus calls us to come. He wants relationships and communion. He seeks people who are unassuming, unpretentious, and unpresuming. When we come without arrogance, we cozy up to His side and celebrate just as my class at VBS. We’re invited to the party.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

~1 John 3:1 NIV

Think of ways your praise can draw others to God.

Daddy, I offer my heart’s admiration to You. Honor Your Name through my lips, today!

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: The Praise of Children: Sally Ferguson: All Rights Reserved