In the summer my oldest sister Nancy used to teach Red Cross swimming at a nearby municipal pool. It was one of her first jobs as a teenager and she took it very seriously. Half way through her first summer she came home and told us that she had discovered that praising the children for whatever little they could do in the water worked better than telling them what they were failing to do. She said that praise worked to motivate her charges every time, and from then on the teaching was much easier. I, who had never been gainfully employed, was deeply impressed at my sister’s wisdom and insight.

At church I sang “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”, and many other expressions of praise. Eventually I read Psalm 22: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabit the praises of Israel.” It seemed clear to me that “praise” is a valuable thing, but exactly how it functions and what it really means evaded me.

Learning to swim is built on overcoming fear of the water, of sinking and drowning, before you have fully experienced the reassuring buoyancy in water. Praise must increase the self confidence and even the joy of the experience of learning to propel yourself through the water.

If God really “inhabits” the praises of His people is it possible that praise is a true and real link between very limited and fearful human beings, and an unlimited, all-sufficient God.? The Bible shows God to love praise from us, who are His own creations: “I will praise the Lord’s name in song and glorify Him in thanksgiving. This will please Him more than a bull with its horns and hooves.” (Psalm 69:30-31)

Praising in adversity has long been known to draw us closer to God, and to yield a better relationship with Him. In praise we unite with God through faith and come closer to His holiness. In praise our relationship with Him is renewed, and we remember Him yet again. As praise motivated Nancy’s young swimmers, it motivates us, too, to conquer our fear and rely on the relationship that God sought in creating us. Thousands of years ago the psalmist knew that praise is a sacrifice more to God’s taste than a bull.

Getting into water that may be over our heads is a sacrifice for anyone learning to swim.

Praising God in adversity is like being handed the life preserver and knowing you are safe.

Love in Him,

Prue