Rejoice and Sing!

HAPPY EASTER!
Today we worship, rejoice, and sing praise to God in celebration of the ascension of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! He is risen!   

As I woke this morning and looked out my window at the sun streaming down onto the lush green trees and plants in the yard and the blooming of plants and flowers, I was reminded not only of the glory of this special day, but the glory of God's creation. I thought of a favorite Bible verse from the book of Isaiah. The words practically jump 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.” - Isaiah 55:12

What beauty and joy is found in these images of mountains and hills bursting into song—and trees clapping their hands! The Bible teems with scripture that exemplifies the connection between God and nature. Additional verses are listed below as examples. But , before you read the verses, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the photo of the forest posted above. 

Imagine stepping into the photo and standing beneath the statuesque pines. You bask in the warmth of the rays of sun as they descend upon the forest floor. Closing your eyes as you soak in the beauty surrounding you, you feel and hear the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees and hear the chirping of the birds. 

As you immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest, surrounded by a world of living things, do you realize that YOU were created to be part of God's grand design in all that He created?

Now that you have reflected on the photo and imagined yourself immersed in it, and as God's peace brings you comfort from any worries or concerns, take a few moments to read the verses that follow. God has done marvelous things! 

“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

May you rejoice in God's creation in all He has done, and may you know the treasure of the gift of salvation for you through Jesus Christ, God's only Son, who gave His life on the cross for you. 

Happy Easter! He is risen! 

Photo courtesy of Ahasanara Akter - Vecteezy.com
 

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