Psalm 148:3-5 (ESV)
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all
you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters
above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded
and they were created.
Joyful,
joyful, we adore Thee
God of
glory, Lord of love
Hearts
unfold like flowers before Thee
Opening
to the sun above
Melt
the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive
the dark of doubt away
Giver
of immortal gladness
Fill
us with the light of day
Throughout “Hymn of Joy” is imagery describing God’s
creation singing out in joy and worship. The idea that creation plays a part in
the worship of God is central in many passages of Scripture, such as the Psalm
148, which as a psalm focuses almost exclusively on this concept, like our
verse for the day.
What a wonderful idea – everything can participate in the
glorification of God – the creator of all things!
But… what does this actually mean for our everyday life?
Is this just flowery, pretty language? A poetic response to
our Maker? Or could there be more to it?
The marvelous elements of nature – the mountains, the
oceans, the forests, the stars – may not actually speak, or engage in worship –
but they do inspire human beings.
We can appreciate God’s creation because we have been made
in God’s image.
We’re the creatures God appointed to be stewards of nature
– and we are the ones who can see the glory of God in what he has created.
God has given us a remarkable world to live in, and we can
find his joy, peace, and power in what he’s made for us.
Everywhere we look – we can see the hand of God. It’s a
remarkable, profound, easily-taken-for-granted gift bestowed upon us.
Although the effects of sin have destroyed, polluted,
corrupted – God’s strength, creativity, and glory can be seen in all that he
has made.
This Christmas season, as you go about your business,
attending to friends, family and celebration – keep your eyes open. Look for
God in all moments and places. When you look around you, at both nature and
people…what do you see?
Christmas is a time for reflection and introspection. A
chance to step back and appreciate what you have and thank God for it.
I pray that, much like this song says, that your, “Hearts
unfold like flowers before Thee.”
Dear Lord, as we forward in joy this Christmas, we pray
that You will let our eyes and minds to see You everywhere we look. We pray
that we can find You in the midst of the things You have created. In the Name
of Jesus, Amen.
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