Daily Devotions
Those three words “Praise the Lord!” convey more than one meaning. The words are a command to give God the glory due His Name. The three words are also a gracious invitation to join saints and angels and, as we see in the psalm, all of creation in bringing honor to our Creator. The words themselves are an expression of praise. We usually offer praise to the Lord in our worship services and in our own private devotions and prayers. We are not so accustomed to hearing praise from fruit trees, livestock, birds, and snow.
In our psalm, all of these created things are commanded and invited to join together in praise of their Creator. It is quite a list and it includes people too, young and old, even princes and kings! How do hills, mountains, trees, animals, and kings praise the Lord? Features of earth’s weather, such as snow, wind, hail, and mist obey God’s commands. Mountains and hills reflect their Creator’s majesty. Trees bear fruit “in which is their seed, each according to its kind,” just as God commanded on creation’s third day (Genesis 1:12b). The powerful ocean depths offer the praise of obedience to their Creator’s command: “Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed” (Job 38:11b). Flying birds and creeping things, from lizards to lions, praise their Maker as they live in the ways ordained for them.
Kings, princes, rulers, and nations glorify God when they rule and live according to the authority God has given them and as they walk in His ways. All of us are summoned to join the rest of creation in praising the Lord who created us all. In repentant sorrow we must admit that our praise sometimes falls silent, but our Creator will not be denied the glory that is due to Him. In love and grace, He sent His Son to bear the penalty of death for our sins. On the day Jesus died, the sun hid its light and the earth shook. Then on the first Easter morning, the sun rose at its Creator’s command to reveal an empty tomb. All of creation heard the glad news: Jesus has risen from the dead!
So, wherever you are, listen carefully and you may hear creation echoing the praise once heard by the apostle John: “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'” (Revelation 5:13). When you hear it, join in!
WE PRAY: My God and Creator, accept my grateful praise! Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. When was the last time you praised someone? What did they do?
2. What would nature praising God look like?
3. Why is God always praiseworthy, even when our lives are hard?