Ready:
“Hallelujah! Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him in his mighty expanse. Praise him for his powerful acts; praise him for his abundant greatness. Praise him with the blast of a trumpet; praise him with harp and lyre. Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and flute. Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah!” —Psalm 150
Set:
Every athlete needs, loves and craves positive feedback. Words of praise are effective and help athletes be motivated from within. This is called intrinsic motivation. Being told you did a nice job, you gave a strong effort, you made the difference in the game, these comments really help with internal motivation and self-esteem. Far too often, though, the opposite occurs. There seems to be more negative criticism, critique and feedback to athletes that diminishes their motivation. It may come from a mistake made in the game, or not taking care of the equipment and gear, or that you just don’t measure up and have what it takes. This negative feedback seems louder and more harmful than the positive kind.
Interestingly, at a deeper and greater level, we are encouraged to give praise to God. Psalm 150 tells us 13 times to give praise to God. It’s about giving Him praise for where He dwells. To praise Him for all the great deeds and actions He does. To praise Him for His perfect character. It tells us what to use in our praising – lots of words, our voices, music and songs and instruments. And at the deepest level, if we are alive and living, we must give praise the Lord!
We give Him praise not because He needs it, like we do, but because He is simply and perfectly worthy of all our praise. In giving Him praise it actually creates in us the awareness and ability to give praise. It teaches us that when there is someone or something worthy of praise, we must speak it, give it and share it. This is part of God’s nature: to marvel at the good that’s been done and to properly acknowledge and give thanks for it. That’s who He is!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. He wants us to be more and more like Him. May our praise to God teach us and enable us to give praise and honor to each other too.
Go:
When did someone give you positive feedback and how did it make you feel?
Are you aware enough and looking for opportunities to give praise and encouragement to others?
Can you see how praising God honors Him? What is your favorite way to praise God?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord God, I see You more clearly when I give praise to You. Help me see You better and help me praise You better. You are more than amazing and I want to let You know how much I am thankful. I praise You for You have made me to be more like You. Help me too to be a person who gives praise to others for the good they do. In Jesus’ name, amen.”