Raise the Praise

Other than those who are allowed in via a permit, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, is off limits to visitors. Birdlife is prolific, wild horses live in the wetlands, and whales can be seen offshore.

The area’s rich diversity of animals and over 1,800 varieties of plants flourish there. How free and liberated creation must feel in that gorgeous area. When I saw these photos, what struck me most were the rugged, rock-laden shores.

I didn’t see them as rugged. I saw them as “rocks crying out”. I remembered the scripture in Luke 19:40 when Jesus declared to the Pharisees who were complaining about the disciples honoring and praising Him too much, “I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

When the Psalmist penned the words in Psalm 150:6 “Let every-THING that has breath, praise the Lord” – He included in ALL His creation the ability to be PRAISERS.

I am getting my praise on today! I praise my God Who is worthy of all praise. I praise Him for His goodness and mercy. I praise Him for His peace that passes understanding. I praise Him for giving His Son to me as my Lord and Savior and soon-coming King. I’m feeling good!

And creation knows how I feel. I hear Michael Buble’ belting out this song for me AND all of creation this morning!

“Birds flying high, you know how I feel.
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel,
Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good.

Fish in the sea, you know how I feel.
River running free, you know how I feel.
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel,
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good.

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean.
Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean.
Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean.
And this old world, is a new world.
And a bold world for me.

Stars when you shine, you know how I feel.
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel.
Oh, freedom is mine. And I know how I feel.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good.” Thanks, Michael!

Trees stretch their branches up toward God. I stretch my hands and arms up in praise today. God created all His creation to offer Him praise. And, if those creatures don’t do their “praising” jobs well, those rocks will start belting out a “hallelujah” chorus! The next time we see a place filled with rocks and boulders, we best offer up praise, so they don’t snag our praising from us!

Nothing is impossible with God – so it shouldn’t surprise us in the least if we overhear a rock praising God! It might be startling, but God parted the Red Sea and if He wants to make rocks sing His praises, so be it!

But, oh how He longs for us to sing His praises. To raise our voice and give Him the praise due to Him. Rather than the grumydom I might be in sometimes, I intend to let my voice be raised in praise and let those sleeping rocks….sleep on!