We tend to want God during the hard stuff yet forget Him when something goes right. We pray in the storms and ignore Him with the blessings. But is that the right thing to do? Miriam, Moses’ sister, gave us an example.
In Exodus 15:20–21, we see a woman named Miriam praising God for delivering her nation from the Egyptians, a complete miracle if there ever was one.
Throughout her lifetime, Miriam had likely experienced many ups and downs. She saved her brother, Moses, and watched him grow up in Pharaoh’s palace while the rest of the Israelites worked long hours for the Egyptians. That same Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land—but that wasn’t without its struggles and terrifying moments.
Now, they were free at last from the crippling hand of the Egyptians. Loaded with precious items they had plundered from the Egyptians, they were free to go to the Promised Land with God as their guide.
And they sing a song of praise.
They Stop Everything
The Israelites could have rolled their eyes and said, “Yay, God saved us. Big deal. He had to—after all, we are the chosen nation.”
Instead, they dropped everything to worship (Exodus 15).
They Worshipped Together
After the nation belts out praise, Miriam leads the women in dancing, playing instruments, and singing (Matthew 18:20).
It probably looked something like when David danced and sang publicly because the Ark of the Covenant was back in Israel (2 Samuel 6:21).
It Was a Reminder
Miriam tells the women that the Egyptians were thrown into the sea—as if reminding the other women why they’re worshipping. Of course, it should have been easy to remember that God had obliterated their lifelong enemies. Yet from places like Judges 8:34, we know that the nation did forget despite all the reasons to remember.
She Gave All the Glory to God
After everything the nation of Israel had gone through, it’s slightly remarkable that Miriam gave God the glory. She doesn’t take any for herself because she helped save little Moses years and years ago. She doesn’t mention Moses, Aaron, or the elders of Israel. Even the recently freed people, after the long, laborious years working for the Egyptians, don’t get mentioned.
She gives it to God.
Could you do that? Or do you tend to see yourself as the hero of your story? Maybe you see yourself as some superhero because you anonymously donate money to a charity, take a lonely person under your wing, and give away your possessions. We’re the miracle workers, we say. But is it the truth? Check out Galatians 2:20, a verse that says Christ is the One living in us.
If She Didn’t Praise, Who Would Have?
In Luke 19:40, we learn that if we don’t give the glory, the very rocks will. The same stones that we trample and crush and bury. Have you ever heard a rock talk?
Yeah, me neither.
So if the rocks start singing, consider giving God the glory more often.
But to prevent that day, here’s a rule of thumb: When something terrible happens, rejoice. When anything extraordinary happens, praise. Praise the miracle worker for the miracles. When we praise, we give God the glory and remember what He has done. We should be public about it. We should stop everything to show Him our gratitude—whether that means dancing, singing, using eloquent words in a prayer, or just a simple “Thank You, Jesus,” we should be giving Him the glory.
Just like Miriam did.
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