Happy Easter! Today we worship, rejoice, and sing praise to God in celebration of the ascension of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. This happy worship may bring a smile to our lips or have us breaking out in joy by clapping our hands.  

The Bible also makes many references to the earth and nature in expression of joy and glory to God. Note this verse from Isaiah 55:12, which practically jumps off the page in glee: "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all of the trees of the field will clap their hands." 

What great beauty is found in these images--mountains and hills bursting into song--and trees clapping their hands. The Bible teems with scripture exemplifying the connection of God with nature. A few more examples of such verses are listed below. But before you read them, I encourage you to take a moment and look at the photo that I posted of the forest. Imagine yourself standing beneath those giant forest trees as you bask in the warmth of the sunlight, all while you rejoice along with nature. May you realize just how special you are, for God created you to be part of His grand design in all that He has made!    

"Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea resound, and all that fills it. Let the fields exult and all that is in them. Then all of the trees will sing for joy." - Psalm 96:11-12

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." - Psalm 47:1

"Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it." - Isaiah 44:23

"All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name." - Psalm 66:4

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12:7-10  

Happy Easter!

(photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com)

Ah, the sound of birds singing every morning is so sweet and joyful! The melodious chirps, arranged in patterns particular to each species, results in a wondrous orchestration. No matter the day or season, the birds sing. How resilient they are!

Recently, doves nested in our backyard. We marveled at the laborious process that ensued as the nest was built over the next two weeks. Once complete, Mama Dove sat diligently on the nest for hours, only leaving for short periods of time. It wasn’t long before she'd laid two eggs.   
         
However, the next morning, Mama Dove was gone—and so were the eggs. All that remained were remnants of scattered shells in the nest and yard. An unknown predator had scored a meal.    

Two days later, Mama Dove returned. She wasn't giving up. This time she'd selected a hiding place near our front patio. She’d coo and sing each time she flew to and from the perch. We hoped for another nest.   
   
There is a lesson to be had from our feathered friends. They are resilient, and the birds still sing ... no matter the day or season. 
        
May we strive to sing the unique melodies that lay within each of our hearts, while finding joy in the orchestration of each day of our lives.           
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“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” – Psalm 104:12

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” – Job 12:7-9

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26-30

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy 
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