PRAISE HIM ALL YOU CREATURES ON EARTH!

With the birds and bees, the rocks and trees, we can join in praise of our Savior every moment. Our hearts are full of love and adoration for His wonderful works. Hallelujah!

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES             by Sally Bair

Good vibes

The drumming of a male ruffed grouse is often heard in spring along wooded paths. His call to attract a female comes from his wing display rather than his voice. He begins to beat his wings slowly, building to a blurred crescendo of vibrating sound. His wings beat up to 50 times in ten seconds, causing percussion like no other. We’re treated to other instruments of nature in the spring, usually beginning with the red-breasted robin, who sings his heart out for God’s pleasure and ours.

We enjoy the music of man-made instruments as well. All instruments produce their sound through vibrations. The harp and stringed instruments produce their soothing sounds by plucking or scraping a bow over the stretched strings. Imagine violent King Saul being soothed by David’s playing on a harp. Even thinking about such music soothes my own spirit.

The sounds emitted from wind instruments are produced by blowing a column of air either through buzzing lips in a brass mouthpiece, or through vibrating a reed in a woodwind or across a hole on the flute. Each unique sound individually or in a group brings joy to our souls.

We can even enjoy the sound of a percussion instrument such as a drum. Its hollow shape amplifies the vibrating sound that comes from beating it. What would an orchestra be without such an instrument that causes the music to stir one’s emotions?

God put much store into song. He sent the Israelites into battle, led by those who sang and played. He gave beautiful voices to the songbirds—and to humans, His crowning achievement. We are told to “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with … stringed instruments and flutes … with clashing cymbals!” (Ps 150: 3-5) It doesn’t matter if we can’t carry a tune or play a melodious note. What matters is the attitude in which we sing or play.

When our hearts are right with God, He will cause us to be instruments of peace, joy and righteousness for the world around us to hear. As we face battles against evil and against our own sinful nature, He will bring us victory through our heartfelt praises.

“And … present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members [bodily parts such as our lips and hands] as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:13)

Lord, thank You for making us instruments of Your peace and joy. Cause us to draw others to You, as the ruffed grouse draws a mate, by facing our battles with praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.