Boast in His Holy Name

"Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful." 1 Chronicles 16:10

• Mom, I have the best ninja skills! 
• Did you see my awesome painting? 
• Can you watch me do my cartwheel? 
• Look at the amazing tent I made! 

Children seem to have no reservations when boasting about their many accomplishments and talents. Although we see flaws and imperfections, their little eyes are focused on a much better version. Boasting as a child comes with a certain amount of boldness and enthusiasm that we simply can’t get away with at any other time in our lives.

​Clayton, our five-year-old, will often grab my face with his sweet chubby hands and pull me towards him to make sure that I notice all the wonders he is about to perform. 

He will not let me go until he knows he has my full, undivided attention and all the distractions have been pushed aside. In much the same way, the life of a Christian should reflect this bold enthusiasm about the things our God does, and who He is, in our lives. Not that I suggest grabbing someone’s face, but grabbing their heart with your praise will have the same effect. ​

1 Chronicles 16:10, encourages this same type of reckless and exuberant boasting, but not about our latest success. To brag about our great feats or accomplishments would come with looks of disgust and disdain. Our feeble attempts all but resemble a five-year-old’s painting. However, bragging on our God is taking our childlike painting and placing it in the hands of Van Gogh or Rembrandt. ​

To boast about our God is to be obsessive about giving thanks. 1 Chronicles tells us that the result of this attitude and action is the spread of infectious joy. In our daily reality, especially in the light of this past year, joy robbers are everywhere we turn. From the news, statistics, financial markets, and even our own communities, we are hard-pressed to find anything to fill our hearts with but dread and fear. However, joy has already been given a seat at the table of the heart of every believer when they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit supplies joy that has continuous potential. 

Galatians 5:22-23 states:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Romans 15:13 reminds us:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Joy is available to every child of God, but keeping it where it belongs requires a childlike boasting that is unashamed and not affected by our earthly perspective.

​Clayton brags about his newest art creation, but he is unaware that those looking at it see it lacks experience and polish. As a believer, I should. without hesitation, praise the Lord even in the midst of trials or defeat because I view those circumstances from a settled place. 

When I boast, I do it as a child with no other option but to see my current circumstance as part of an amazing and beautiful masterpiece.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

To boast the praises of our God is to be reminded that He will use every step of our life for His purpose which in turn results in our good. Spreading our bragging rites around to all we come in contact with is exactly what we are called to do!

Just like Clayton can’t resist the draw to have me admire his growing abilities, I should never pass up an opportunity to say all the things that draw attention to my loving and amazing Savior! Our mission has been clearly stated, "Boast in His Holy Name!" 

So today, let's boast on our God and spread joy! Let's go and be obsessive about giving thanks to Him to everyone who will listen. The viewpoint you share is from a childlike faith that is still full of wonder and awe. You know that the best is yet to come, and the greatest Artist is creating something unmatched and full of hope.

When I read Christine's beautiful post, urging us to boast in His holy name, I was immediately reminded of the mix of these two songs—Holy is He and Holy, Holy, Holy. If you've never heard this mix, you are in for a real treat. Be prepared to raise your hands!

I'll never forget the first time I heard it. It was probably around the early to mid-2000s when I attended a regional high school choir competition that involved a couple of our children. I was totally unprepared for what I was about to experience. When the choir reached the part where the two songs meet, I felt the presence of God in that room in an unusual way. By the end of the song, I was in tears and I am not an emotional person. But this song... 

In Revelation 7:9-10, the Apostle John describes a glimpse of eternity with a great multitude of people from every tribe, peoples, and languages singing before the Lamb, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” I've got to wonder that if on that day, with that great multitude that no one can number, will we not also sing Holy is He, Holy, Holy, Holy!

Eternity awaits!

How and what are you boasting about our God today?