I love to sing. I don’t do it very well, so I try not to sing loudly in public. But when I’m in my car with the radio turned up, I shed my self-consciousness and belt out praise to the Lord.


Children don’t have that sense of self-consciousness. If they are happy or have a favorite song, you’ll know it. Their joy – and their singing – are uninhibited. That’s what makes their praise so special: it comes from the heart without any preoccupation with self.


Try not to stifle that heartfelt praise, even if you mean well. A raised eyebrow at off-key notes, a slight shake of the head to show they’re singing too loudly, or a finger to the lips to silence them completely can all convey a crushing message: if you can’t sing perfectly, then don’t sing at all.


Praise from the untrained voice of a child may be sweeter than the most polished choir. The Lord delights in the praises of His children – young and old! For those whose only desire is to praise the One to whom they belong, a joyful noise can be the best music of all.