October 25 | Psalm 96
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
All Creation Sings
By Elaine Pierce
It's hard to read this Psalm and not want to sing! In fact, the psalmist urges us to do just that right from the start: "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name (v. 1-2)."
And then he ends with more singing: "Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy, they will sing before the Lord," (v. 12-13).
This isn't the only place in scripture that the inspired writers use personification and nature imagery to show trees, rivers, and forests actively participating in worshipping God. Here are a few examples:
Isaiah 55:12: "The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
Psalm 98:7-8: "Let the sea resound, and everything in it...let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy."
Isaiah 44:23: "Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth."
Do you remember that old campfire song, "He's got the whole world in His hands?" God created the world and everything in it, and all of his creation brings glory to him.
Revelation 5:13 paints a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like:
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"Worthy is the lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Again, notice the singing. The choir concerts in heaven are going to be amazing! As you begin (or perhaps end) your day, take 3 minutes to play this song. Even in the midst of challenging times, it will remind you that one day, all sorrow will be gone, and we will worship the Lord in fulness and in truth.
PRAYER
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! You made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before you, strength and glory are in your sanctuary. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
This hymn is a great crescendo finish to our study of I Peter's call to faithfulness and trust in the Lord through every trial. It's tune and lyrics match Psalm 96's praises of God - our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend!!