Imperfect Praise

Growing Daily

Years ago, some friends brought their young daughter to my recording studio to sing. She was only five, so I lowered the microphone stand as far as it would go, and even the smallest headphones looked comically oversized on her head. But the moment she stepped up to the mic, there was no doubt about her talent and potential.

When I played the song back for her, we all expected a huge smile and proud giggles. Instead, her face fell and she burst into tears.

“What’s wrong?!” we asked.

Through her sobs she cried, “I sound like a baby!”

In her mind, she sounded just like her favorite artist, but now all she could hear was a small, childish voice. What she couldn’t see in that moment was how beautiful and precious her voice was to her parents.

God sees things similarly. Maybe you feel like your words are clumsy or immature. Maybe you don’t express your worship or prayers like the people you admire — the ones who seem so polished, articulate, and “spiritual.”

But to God, your voice is precious, and He knows your potential.

Jesus said, “You have taught children and infants to give you praise” (Matthew 21:16). He delights in the simple, imperfect expressions of sincere faith that rise from our hearts.

Think of each word you bring to God today as a treasure to Him.

- Ron Reid