“Praise is the mode of love which always has some element of joy in it. Praise in due order; of Him as the giver, of her as the gift. Don’t we in praise somehow enjoy what we praise, however far we are from it? I must do more of this” C.S. Lewis
This truth has manifest itself in my life many many times. If only we could convince people of its power in a life for transformation and joy. Those who are unable or unwilling to praise God, or anything good for that matter, are missing out on opportunities to experience joy. The converse is obviously true which is what Lewis is stating.
We praise what we truly love and we love more deeply that which we praise. Every person on this earth longs to share with others the beauty and joy associated with the things they love. It is basic human nature. We talk openly and positively about the things we love. One of the most difficult things is to experience something wonderful that cannot be shared. One feels like they might explode if they don’t share the goodness of what they have experienced. It is simply because we have been created to praise what we love and to love what we praise. Stories of goodness received or joy experienced never grow old they only get better with time. As Lewis wrote, “…we enjoy what we praise”.
Psalms 108
My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.
Psalms 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Praise Him in the highest!
Ventanas 