Praise can be a platform.
A couple of years ago, I spoke with a very good friend of mine about life in Christ. He shared about how he had arranged some forums in which people could gather together and be supported. The types of gathering, he stated, was about being platform. The stage on which duties and actions can be performed in the right environment.
I had an experience recently that reminded me of what a key purpose can be of seeing praise as a platform. Praise in this sense is what it is to acknowledge and point out positive aspects through various means. When it comes to praising God this can involve words in speech, words in song, physical acts as well. All pointing to the remarkable qualities of God.
Considering this has to be done in recognising what praise is as part of our ongoing dialogue with God. This dialogue begins with seeing Him as the creator of the universe – everything around us and everything including us. We benefit from this reality. In the light of acknowledging this in its various facets, praise is a totally understandable response.
That praise stimulates further conversation. It highlights our engagement in it and encourages further response. God speaks to us in response to our praise. That response can be in terms of a warning, a correction, a rebuke or encouragement, affirmation and instruction for healing. Either way, praise is the platform to invite further divine conversation.
Why that is of significance, is that it should make us consider carefully if we really make the most of the platform. Sometimes we can just offer praise and leave it there. We might be missing out on what God has to offer in response to our praise. It would be the equivalent of giving credit to the customer service advisor for taking your money for the goods, but not stick around long enough to get the change that you should get for the purchase AND not get the details for the proper use of the item. Even to hear them say ‘you’re welcome’ is a massive miss.
Sometimes our best intentions and desire to control matters can get in the way of us genuinely engaging in the conversation on the stage that was ideally made for it by our praise.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 