The Pillar of Praise: Choosing Joy in the Midst of the Journey

When life feels heavy, praise feels unnatural. But that’s exactly when it’s most powerful.

The Pillar of Praise reminds us that joy is not the absence of problems — it’s the presence of gratitude. Praise is love’s melody in the midst of the mess. It’s the sound of faith saying, “God, You’re still good — even here.”

When we learn to praise our spouse and praise our God in every season, we invite Heaven’s perspective into earthly challenges.

The Pillar of Praise

In Pamper Your Marriage: The Pillars of Principle, this pillar invites couples to look for the good in one another — not because everything is perfect, but because God is still working.

It’s so easy to point out what our spouse did wrong, but praise calls us to do the opposite. It says, “I see your effort. I appreciate your heart. I’m thankful for who you are.”

Sometimes praise looks like singing worship songs together in the kitchen. Other times, it looks like catching your spouse doing something right — and saying it out loud.

When we learn to praise instead of criticize, we create an atmosphere of safety and joy in our home.

The Lord pampers His Church through praise by inhabiting our worship.

“But You are holy, You who inhabit the praises of Israel.” —Psalm 22:3

When we praise Him, He draws near. He replaces our heaviness with hope and our sighs with songs.

Just as Jesus delights in our praise, He also delights in praising His Bride. Zephaniah 3:17 says, “He will rejoice over you with singing. ”Can you imagine that? The Lord Himself sings over us — comforting, affirming, and cherishing His people.

In marriage, that’s our model. We pamper one another with praise — not flattery, but genuine affirmation. It strengthens trust, softens hearts, and invites God’s presence into our relationship.

Ask yourself:

• Do I speak more words of criticism or words of praise to my spouse?

• When was the last time I told them what I admire instead of what I expect?

• How can I make praise a daily practice — for both God and my partner?

Remember: What you magnify will multiply. When you magnify God’s goodness and your spouse’s virtues, both will grow before your eyes.

If this post encouraged you, explore the full 30-day devotional journey in Pamper Your Marriage: The Pillars of Principle.

Inside, you’ll find daily Scriptures, heartfelt prayers, and guided exercises that help you and your spouse strengthen each pillar — including how to make praise a permanent part of your love story.

Now available in Paperback and Kindle!

Visit www.PamperYourMarriage.org Or order on Amazon

Your marriage doesn’t have to be perfect — it just needs to be pampered.