Daily Devotions

Today we consider the reality that Praise fosters joy. In worship it is very difficult to be in a bad mood when you are speaking or even singing about the positive attributes of our Father.

The psychologist Dr. Henry H. Goddard, undertook a research project on energy levels in children. He used an instrument he called the “ergograph.” Mind you how ever he got children to stand still long enough to connect them to the machine is a mystery. 

But he did, and his findings are fascinating. He found that when tired children are given a word of praise or encouragement, the ergograph shows an immediate upward surge of new energy. When the children are criticised and discouraged, the ergograph shows their physical energy takes a sudden nose-dive. Those results could be probably be duplicated in adults. When we are praised our energy levels go up. When we are criticised our energy levels go down.

In the Bible, praise and worship take centre stage, illustrating the profound connection between humanity and the divine. From David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant to the heavenly chorus in Revelation, Scripture abounds with vibrant examples of devotion. Take Miriam’s tambourine dance after the parting of the Red Sea, or the Psalms, overflowing with adoration and thanksgiving. Even in adversity, like Paul and Silas, singing hymns in prison, we see that worship remains a powerful expression of faith. These stories not only showcase the diverse forms of praise but also reveal its transformative power, inspiring believers across generations.

We read in. Psalm 89:15-16 “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in Your wonderful reputation. They exult in Your righteousness.”

Worship and praise brings joy to the hearts of those who do so wholeheartedly, because God inhabits our praises (Psalm 22:3). As God inhabits our praises with His powerful presence, we are overcome with the joy of the Lord. As we sing our praises to God, we are stepping into our “garment of praise” we are called to wear continually as royal sons and daughters of the Lord.

Holy God,

your faithful love toward us never ends!

It is as sure and dependable 

as the sky over our heads.

We praise You!

Today with joy we praise and

offer you our worship 

and our thanksgiving;

to declare to any who will listen

that You are our God, 

and we are Your people.

May Your Spirit 

be at work among us as we worship,

opening our eyes 

to the light of Your presence in this place.

To You alone,

Faithful Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

be all glory and honour,

now and forever.  

Amen.