Joining Creation in Praise

I recently took a trip to the beautiful state of Florida. There are so many things I love about the beach — the gorgeous water, lying on the sand, enjoying a good sandwich in the hot sun, and searching for seashells. Every time I visit, I find myself wanting to pack my bags and stay for good. But with each trip, a deeper love has grown in me: a love for the beauty of God revealed in His creation.

There is something so uniquely beautiful about looking out into the deep blue. For me, it makes me feel extremely small. It begs the question, “How can the God who created such beauty care for me?” It is a humbling experience that draws me to my Savior. This thought rushed through my mind as I sat on the deck of our condo and watched the waves from 17 stories above. Seeing the ocean always brings me the same feeling. It’s so interesting to me that no matter how many times I look at the big void of blue water, I am still amazed by its beauty. 

I’m sure we have all seen Tik Tok or Instagram posts that go a little something like “Look at this beautiful sunset. To think that God sees us as more beautiful.” Now, if you’re anticipating a feel-good-about-myself blog then you are about to be disappointed. Typically, I would see a post like that and passively like and scroll. However, in a recent book study I did on Edward T. Welches, When people are big and God is small, Welch points out how the beauty of God's creation should actually make us humbled before our mighty God. The majesty of creation should never bring us back to ourselves, but should always lead to Jesus. 

I reflected on this thought as I sat on the condo balcony during my vacation. I began reading Psalm 148 and it was as if the words were jumping out in front of my face. Verse 7 jumped out at me first

“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,”

Then verse 13 struck me stating,

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above heaven and earth.”

The roaring waves of the sea praise His name! It was happening right in front of me! Experiencing this brought so much perspective to me. Of course I knew that creation praises the Lord, but to read the scripture describing such praise while in that moment was a whole other level of understanding. Not only this, but if creation praises him, how much more should we have been saved?

Psalm 150:6 declares,

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

God’s holiness and power demands a response. His creation knows this and obeys him. Those of us who have been created in his image must do this, but the question is how? There are many ways that God can be praised and glorified. Here are a few ways:

1. Through prayer

   
   

We have been given 24 hour access to God’s throne of grace. Speaking to God directly through prayer not only draws us closer to him, but it brings him glory. Glorifying and praising God for who He is should be a regular part of our prayer life. This can be as simple as:

“Lord, I thank you for your awesome power, steadfast love, and constant grace in my life. You are worthy of all my praise.”

2. Through Song

   
   

Psalm 150:4 says,

“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!”

Now, before you get ahead of yourself — no, this verse doesn’t mean we all need to learn an instrument or take up interpretive dance. However, it does encourage us to praise God through music. Another example in Psalms is “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1). God doesn't need you to be musically gifted, He just wants your praise!

3. Through Obedience

   
   

John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Obeying God honors His authority over us. Obeying the Lord does not mean perfection, but the direction of our lives. It means that we are daily choosing to keep his commandments and live a counter-cultural lifestyle. We learn how to obey the Lord by studying his scripture and knowing him more and more each day. The more we know Christ, the more we want to be a reflection of  Him. Through our obedience to Christ, we bring glory to his name by showing our love for Him.

These are just a few practical ways we can daily join creation in praising our Savior. The Lord has given us endless reasons to worship Him — and it is impossible to run out of ways to do so. Just as the sea roars His greatness, may we, too, lift His name high — now and forever.