Let them sing before the Lord. (Ps. 98:9)
Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:7-9
Saint Francis of Assisi is reputed to have been a friend of Mother Nature. He had an extraordinary love for the creation and God’s adorable creatures. He used to converse with animals, instruct them, and preach to them. The story goes that Francis would alternate with the birds the divine praise they gave to their Creator in their way.
Long before Francis, the author of Psalms 98 commanded the sea and all sea creatures to praise God for how his waters resound. All the inhabitants of the earth should also praise the Lord. Even the natural world is encouraged to participate: “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (Ps. 98:8). From the trickling of river water to the rustle of tree leaves across the mountains, creation lifts its voice to praise the Lord. When was the last time you took a walk outside, listening to the ways that creation sings praise to the Lord?
In the same way, as God’s creatures, we must raise our voices in worship and participate in the concert of animals and elements of nature. All living, moving, and breathing creatures must bear witness to the glory of our Creator. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp . . . the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 98:4–7).
Listen to the music of creation and join the song of worship.
Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
