Empty Praise

The lyrics to this song spoke to me this weekend. I know this never happens to you, but I was aching for praise. Just wishing for a few words of affirmation. And I began to think that if nobody cares enough to say something, I might just quit. Even though I love what I do.

Enter this song and these words and a rush of God-speak to my heart.

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always

God’s praise is not empty. It goes beyond a mere complement to the even greater realm of forever rewards. It comes from a mouth that has also spoken parting words as He takes every last little bit of my sinful pride and jealousy and angst onto His shoulders and dies in my place.

I don’t come anywhere near deserving that kind of praise, yet He gives it. Freely. All the time.

“The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV)

What I do is more important to God than anyone else.
What He thinks about what I do is more important than what others think.

My value comes from Him.
My talents come from Him.
My creativity comes from Him.
My inspiration comes from Him.

He made me for this.
And when my heart aches for Him, let me listen for His rejoicing, his quieting, his singing.
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Lord, let me escape from my mess of internal dialogue and listen to you loving me.