Creation calls us to worship!
While all nature looks to the distant horizon for the healing and redemption God promises, it yet cries out His praise. With every spear of light, vibration of sound, and color of the spectrum it exhorts us to join its song of worship.
Presbyterian minister Henry Van Dyke, some time around 1910, penned this poem, which you might recognize:
“All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.”
Likewise, the Psalmist entreats us to sing a new song to the Lord, for He has performed wonders and alone deserves all praise. Hear as he describes how creation offers up its worship:
“Let the whole earth shout to the Lord;
be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing…Let the sea and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it, resound.
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the mountains shout together for joy
before the Lord…” —Psalm 98:4, 7-9 (CSB)
And,
“Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded, and they were created.
He set them in position forever and ever;
he gave an order that will never pass away.” —Psalm 148:3-6 (CSB)
Pay attention to creation today. Do you hear its call to worship? As you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch God’s creation, what song of praise rises up in you? Will you let that song fly?
Even amid our Advent waiting, let’s not hesitate to rush toward worship.