The most loving, holy, good, powerful Being is also the most humble. Does he crave praise?
He demands it. He deserves it. He wants it. Yet, it cannot be for the reasons humans enjoy it. God is not a man.
Ego issues do not beset God. This reason doesn’t fit the picture of the perfect Being who died in humiliation to save us.
God, as a rule, doesn’t force his power on us, and if he did, continual obedience would be inescapable. Look around, and in your own heart: such is not the case. At all.
It seems God is pleased with what turns out to be our feeble and fleeting attempts at praise. But why would it matter so much to him? Why would scripture be rife with the stuff? Why would God make a big point to command it of us?
Might it be that it’s good for us?
Might it be that it’s helpful for us, and gets us straightened out?
Might it be that by giving praise to Almighty Creator and Father God, we learn who he is, and who we are, in a way that is not possible otherwise?
It seems that we tune to the proper pitch with it. We obtain an appropriate sense of the world (Reality), ourselves, and others when praise takes place. (Even more so when praise is first and chief of our attitude and actions.) It seems like a powerful orientation takes place when we praise.
If we’re not careful, we might not be the centers of our own universe. Then what? (gasp) Reality could set in. Of course, that’s a good thing. An adjustment, but a good thing.
What thoughts do you have on praise or its purpose?
How does it help you?