November 13, 2019
For full passage click: Psalm 98:6-9 … “Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord…” vss. 7-9a
The Psalmist understood that all creation had been called into being by a word from God. So when he talks about making a joyful noise to the Lord he naturally assumes that such praise would only not only come from humans but from the natural environment. Everything, rocks, hills, trees, rivers, seas—all that moves on the face of the earth, flies through the skies, and swims in the deep—all will join in singing together for joy. And why will there be such praise? Because God is present in all! Sadly, this comes as new information for too many people. For centuries we’ve not recognized the Divine Presence in the world around. Oh, at various times there has been talk of Mother Earth or Gaia, but mostly such conversation has been dismissed or labelled as heresy. The result has been a sense that humans are free to exploit and ravage the environment. We cause the extinction of species, pollute the air and water, and fail to hear the cries of pain from that which we abuse. Fortunately, in recent years we’ve begun to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and realize that all creation bears the stamp of God’s presence. Life in every form is precious, and even rocks praise God with their beauty and strength!
Thought for the Day: How do trees express joy?
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