Approved by God

Praise is an expression of approval or admiration for someone. We all like to receive praise because it lifts us up. It is a human desire to be admired or approved of by others. The reality is oftentimes we don’t return praise to others—whether it’s from not knowing what to say or perhaps simply being so self-involved to not notice the need they have to be admired or approved of.

But Jesus came to show us a different way. His way drew people into the beauty that comes with recognizing people in difficult times and encouraging them. For instance, the Woman at the Well, whose story is told in John 4, powerfully benefited by Jesus showing a kind of approval towards her. He didn’t endorse sin, but He saw the need for value and He genuinely offered that to her. But others also received a kind of “praise” from Jesus: Zaccheus (Luke 19), Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), or any of the many people He healed along His way to Jerusalem.

Jesus was on the way to make us “approved” by God. That would require giving up His life to do it. The lengths Jesus went to for us to be able to stand with God someday is truly inspirational.

Mercy Me sang a song called “I Can Only Imagine,” and the lyrics echo the struggle we may have at times in knowing how to praise God appropriately. But in the end, it’s about trusting Him, longing to follow Him, serve Him, honor Him. The chorus of that song says, “Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine…”

As we better understand what’s at the heart of praise, we are more likely to offer praise to God and to others that truly reflects Jesus’ selflessness. Try to reflect on the meaning in this Psalm and see how it applies to your own life.

“I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing Your praise. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your unfailing love and Your faithfulness, for You have so exalted Your solemn decree that it surpasses Your fame. When I called, You answered me; You greatly emboldened me. May all the kings of the earth praise You, Lord, when they hear what You have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes; with Your right hand, You save me. The Lord will vindicate me; Your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.” (Psalms 138)