Let the Children Praise: The Power of Childlike Worship

Devotional

Day 1: The Majesty and Sovereignty of God

God’s majesty is displayed in all creation, from the vastness of the heavens to the beauty of a clear blue sky, reminding us that even when life feels cloudy or uncertain, God’s glory and authority remain unchanged. Just as David praised God as the creator and sustainer, we are invited to look beyond our circumstances and recognize that God’s power is always at work, sustaining us through every season. When we pause to consider the wonders of the world around us, we are witnessing the handiwork of a sovereign God who is worthy of our praise, regardless of what we face. [01:53]

Psalm 8:1-2 (ESV)
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to notice God’s majesty in creation, even on a difficult day? How might intentionally looking for God’s glory in your surroundings change your perspective today?

Day 2: The Power of Praise in Vulnerability

God chooses the weak and vulnerable—like children and infants—to display His strength and silence the enemy, showing that true power does not come from worldly status but from sincere, dependent praise. In a world that values strength, productivity, and authority, God flips the script by ordaining the praise of those who seem powerless, teaching us that our dependence on Him is not a weakness but a source of spiritual strength. The cries and worship of the most vulnerable among us have the power to transform the atmosphere and confound the enemy, reminding us that God’s might is made perfect in our weakness. [16:21]

Psalm 8:2 (ESV)
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most vulnerable or powerless? How can you offer praise to God from that place today, trusting Him to work through your weakness?

Day 3: Authentic, Childlike Worship Transforms Lives

Children’s praise is pure, unpretentious, and filled with trust, untainted by the motives and concerns that often distract adults, and it is this kind of worship that God desires and uses to bring transformation. When we approach God with childlike sincerity—free from the need to impress, gain approval, or achieve personal benefit—we open ourselves to authentic encounters with Him. God honors the honest, spontaneous worship that comes from the heart, and such praise has the power to change not only our own lives but also the world around us. [18:11]

Matthew 21:15-16 (ESV)
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

Reflection: What would it look like for you to worship God today with the honesty and freedom of a child, setting aside concerns about how others perceive you?

Day 4: The Disconnect Between Appearance and True Connection

It is possible to look the part of a worshiper—attending church, carrying a Bible, participating in activities—yet still be disconnected from the true source of spiritual power, which is found in genuine praise and relationship with God. Like a device that appears plugged in but has no power, we can go through the motions without experiencing the life-changing presence of God if our hearts are not truly engaged. God invites us to examine our connection to Him and to seek reconnection through heartfelt worship, so that His power can flow freely in our lives. [24:14]

John 15:5 (ESV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are “going through the motions” but feel disconnected from God’s power? What step can you take today to reconnect with Him in authentic praise?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of Youthful Praise

God has placed a unique power within the praise of young people, and when they embrace their God-ordained role as worshipers, they can bring transformation to their families, schools, churches, and even the world. Though children and youth may feel dependent on adults and limited by their circumstances, their sincere praise is a spiritual force that activates God’s presence and blessing in ways that adults often overlook. Every generation is called to recognize and encourage the praise of the young, knowing that their voices can shift atmospheres and bring about change that grown-ups alone cannot achieve. [21:23]

1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Reflection: If you are young, how can you use your voice to praise God boldly today? If you are an adult, how can you encourage and make space for the praise of the young people around you?

Sermon Summary

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! These words from Psalm 8 remind us that God’s glory is not just seen in the vastness of the heavens, but also in the smallest, most vulnerable among us—our children. God’s majesty is not diminished by the storms and cloudy days of our lives; even when we cannot see the sun, it is still shining. In the same way, God’s love and sovereignty remain constant, even when we feel overlooked, rejected, or burdened by life’s challenges. David, who knew rejection and hardship intimately, teaches us that praise is not reserved for the moments when everything is right, but is a declaration of trust in God’s unchanging character.

David’s insight in Psalm 8 is radical: he declares that God has ordained strength and praise from the mouths of babies and infants. In a world that valued power, productivity, and adult authority, this was a countercultural statement. Children, who had no social standing or authority, are chosen by God as vessels of praise that silence the enemy. Their vulnerability and dependence become the very means by which God’s strength is displayed. This challenges us to reconsider how we view worship and who we believe is qualified to offer it.

Too often, adults become entangled in the politics, performance, and expectations of worship, losing the authenticity and purity that children naturally possess. Children praise God not for personal gain or recognition, but out of a sincere and untainted heart. Their praise is not regulated or rehearsed, but spontaneous and genuine. Jesus himself affirmed this when he quoted Psalm 8 in response to the children praising him in the temple, declaring that their worship was divinely inspired.

The praise of children is powerful because it is pure, innocent, and filled with trust. It is not limited by age, intellect, or social status. In fact, their praise has the power to transform families, churches, and even nations. When adults are caught up in their own agendas and miss the heart of worship, it is often the children who get it right. We must not silence or sideline their voices, but instead, let the children praise, for their worship is ordained by God and carries a power that confounds the wisdom of the world.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s majesty and love remain constant, even when life feels cloudy or uncertain. Just as the sun shines behind the clouds, God’s presence and care are unwavering, regardless of our circumstances. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means praising Him not because everything is right, but because He is always right and worthy of our worship. [02:26]
2. The praise of children is a divine strategy that confounds the enemy and reveals God’s strength through vulnerability. In a world obsessed with power and status, God chooses the weak and dependent to display His might, reminding us that true strength is found in humble, sincere worship. [09:24]
3. Authentic worship is not about performance, obligation, or outward appearance, but about a heart that seeks to honor God. Children model this authenticity, praising God without pretense or ulterior motives, inviting us to return to a pure and unfiltered expression of worship. [11:18]
4. The innocence and purity of children’s praise have the power to transform the atmosphere and bring about change in families, churches, and society. Their worship is not limited by age or understanding, but is effective because it is ordained by God and filled with trust. [16:59]
5. Disconnection from God’s power often happens when we go through the motions of faith without genuine connection. Like a device that appears plugged in but has no power, our lives can look the part but lack spiritual vitality. Reconnection comes through sincere praise and thanksgiving, which restores our access to God’s transforming power. [24:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Majesty of God in Creation
[02:26] - God’s Presence in Cloudy Days
[03:21] - David’s Confidence Through Praise
[04:50] - Framework for Worship
[05:48] - Praising God in Difficult Times
[07:07] - The Radical Turn: Children’s Praise
[08:12] - The Value of Children in Ancient Society
[09:24] - Ordained Strength from the Mouths of Children
[10:27] - Spontaneous, Unsanctioned Worship
[11:18] - Authenticity in Worship
[13:02] - Worldly Power vs. God’s Power
[15:17] - Vulnerability and Dependence of Children
[16:59] - The Transformative Power of Children’s Praise
[19:18] - Jesus Affirms Children’s Worship
[21:10] - Empowering the Next Generation
[24:14] - Reconnecting to God’s Power Through Praise

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 8:1-2 (ESV) — > O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
> You have set your glory above the heavens.
> Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes,
> to still the enemy and the avenger.

Matthew 21:15-16 (ESV) — > But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,
> ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
> you have prepared praise’?”

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 8:2, who does God use to establish strength and silence the enemy?
In the sermon, what does David say about God’s presence during “cloudy days” in our lives? [[02:26]]
How did Jesus respond when the religious leaders tried to stop the children from praising him in the temple? [[19:18]]
What are some ways the sermon describes children’s praise as different from adult praise? [[11:18]]

Interpretation Questions

Why might David’s statement about God ordaining praise from children have been considered radical in his time? [[07:21]]
What does the sermon suggest about the connection between vulnerability and God’s strength? [[16:09]]
How does the authenticity of children’s worship challenge the way adults often approach worship? [[11:18]]
What does the story about the disconnected night light illustrate about our spiritual lives and connection to God’s power? [[24:14]]

Application Questions

The sermon says God’s love and majesty remain constant, even when life feels cloudy or uncertain. Can you think of a recent “cloudy day” in your life? How did you respond, and what would it look like to trust God’s presence in that situation? [[02:26]]
Children’s praise is described as pure, spontaneous, and not motivated by personal gain. When was the last time you worshiped God without worrying about what others thought or expecting something in return? What would it take to return to that kind of worship? [[11:18]]
The sermon challenges us not to silence or sideline the voices of children in worship. How can you encourage or make space for the children in your life (your own or others) to express their praise to God? [[16:59]]
Adults often get caught up in “the politics, performance, and expectations of worship.” Are there ways you have felt pressure to perform or meet expectations in your faith? How can you move toward more authentic worship? [[11:18]]
The sermon uses the example of a device that looks plugged in but has no power to describe spiritual disconnection. Are there areas in your life where you feel “disconnected” from God’s power? What practical steps could you take this week to reconnect through praise and thanksgiving? [[24:14]]
The praise of children is said to have the power to transform families, churches, and even nations. Can you share a time when the faith or worship of a child impacted you or your community? What did you learn from that experience? [[16:59]]
The sermon says, “Let the children praise.” What is one specific way you can help foster a culture of childlike faith and worship in your home, small group, or church this month? [[21:10]]

Sermon Clips

What he's saying here is that no matter how cloudy the day looks, God's love is still shining bright because he's majestic. David faced lions. Lions, bears, and even a giant named Goliath. And yet he still said in the 18th Psalm, I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. David's confidence came from worship. Praise strengthens courage and reminds us that we belong to God. [00:03:27] (30 seconds) #WorshipStrengthensCourage

I didn't show up today because everything is going right. I showed up because I praise a God who is right even when everything else is wrong. Through giants, crazy kings, or wannabe tyrants, family drama, work woes, and the regret of bad decisions, David remembered that I can still give God, the sovereign God, praise, and something happens in the atmosphere when I give him glory. [00:06:18] (32 seconds) #PraiseBeyondCircumstances

By stating that God ordains praise or establishes strength through infants, the Psalmist is saying their cries, though weak, are enough to confound God's enemies. Check it. He is saying that the most vulnerable among us, although they don't have influence around the adult realm, their praise has influence in the heavenly realm. Their praise can literally transform and change the world because God hears and has ordained their prayers. [00:16:09] (47 seconds) #ChildrensPraiseTransforms

The fact that God ordains their praise means the worship is not limited by age or intellect. Even the simplest, most innocent expressions of wonder reflect divine truth. When children worship sincerely, they embody the kind of praise that triumphs over evil. Pure, unpretentious, and filled with trust, praise. [00:17:49] (24 seconds) #PurePraiseNoBias

Children said Hosanna. The adults said crucify Him. Children didn't crucify our Lord. It was grown folk. It was church folk like Judas. It was political folk in the Roman government. It was the Pharisees and the Sadducees. It was grown folk. So while the grown folk were getting it wrong, it was the children who were getting the praise right. [00:19:54] (38 seconds) #YouthPowerToTransform

``Because young people if you can understand the praise God has placed on the inside of you if you can walk in the fact that God has ordained you to praise Him you will soon discover that you have the power to transform your school transform your family transform our churches transform this nation and transform this world. [00:21:10] (32 seconds) #ReconnectThroughPraise

Sometimes you're going through something and it's because God needs to reveal to you that you thought you were plugged in. But really you're disconnected. You looked the part. You've been coming to church. You got your Bible. You come to Bible study. You go through the study guide. It looks like the plug is connected. You know what to wear on first Sunday and second Sunday and third Sunday and fourth Sunday. You tune in when you're not in person and you looked the part. But all of a sudden when you got lifted up you realized that you did not have the power you thought you did. And now because you know that there's a disconnect God wants to connect you back again. [00:24:09] (44 seconds)

And pastor how do I get reconnected? You begin to praise Him. You begin to honor Him. You begin to give thanksgiving unto the Lord. You put your hands together and you shout unto the Lord with a mighty voice of triumph. [00:24:53] (16 seconds)

Pause the video game and praise. Text BRB to that group chat and open up your mouth and give God some praise. Jump off of YouTube and into a praise. Don't worry about what other friends may think. What the other football players may think. What even your coaches may think. Do you realize what the power is on the inside [00:25:23] (20 seconds)

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