God's Love Language

Someone askedif I had read the book The Five Love Languages--the book that says we each have unique preferences for how we want love to be expressed. I have not read that book, but last week I believe I discovered God's love language.

In Psalm 69, David wrote, "I am in pain and distress...I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than than a bull with its horns and hoofs" (69:29-31).

Even the most perfect animal the Old Testament worshipers could offer as a sacrifice to God was less in the sight of God than grateful praise--especially when they were in pain and distress. We, too, please God when we praise Him when our outward circumstances seem to call for sighs more than songs.

David said, "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?" But a few verses later He voiced His confidence despite his discouraging situation: "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation" (Psalm 13:5).

So in our immediate unpleasant situation, we say, "I trust that You have ways to show me Your unfailing love. I will rejoice in whatever deliverance You choose to give." God receives such confident praise as expressions of our love.

If we promised someone we would send them money, they would thank us even though we had not given a cent.  We should treat Jesus' precious promises as well. Charles Spurgeon said, "Shall not heaven's bank-notes pass as cash?"

The highest expression of love we can offer God is to praise Him as David did recognizing that we are in the hands of a loving God no matter what happens.

Dear Jesus, You are worthy of praise, and I choose to praise You.

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise" (57:7).