"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

Praise and Joy are related! They can be manifest in many ways . . . smiles, laughter, clapping, dancing, singing. But if we withhold our praise, the Bible tells us that even the rocks will cry out because His presence demands praise!

The trees are a wonderful example of praise . . . when the morning mist is settled upon their leaves, their branches are seen reaching toward heaven, glimmering in the sunlight, drinking in the freshness each new morning gives them. In that they find the strength to reach just a little higher than the day before as a result of the nourishing and refreshing they receive as daily provision from their Maker!

In the noontime when the sun is hot and bearing down upon them, their branches can be seen reaching even a little higher. Trees respond to the blistering heat of the midday sun by reaching toward it, not holding back away from it, knowing that the fiery trial brings with it an invitation and provision for growth and health like no other time of day! The heat actually provokes praise!

But, finally, in the peaceful evening of the day when the sun is painting the sky with the artistry unequalled by mankind, setting and calm rests upon its busy boughs, the trees are still pointing toward the heavens. Gently hushed from the day's winds and heat, having been a magnificent dwelling place for the birds and a refreshing shade for the grass, the tree still stands still, rooted, and grounded never ceasing their example of total praise and adoration of the Creator!

Trees respond to the presence of sunlight . . . the leaves can almost be seen following the sun as it changes position in the heavens during the course of each day! From trees we can learn a wonderful lesson! By following the sun (the Son) we have the opportunity to find ourselves responding to His presence moment by moment during the day with an attitude of praise.

As we practice His presence and respond with heartfelt praise, the rocks will never have to be disturbed from their place of rest to cry out in our place!

CREATION'S PRAISE

"Morning mist blankets the earth
Disappearing as the sun rises;
Glimmering trees stand in awe from the sight
Reaching their arms toward the skies.

Noonday sun warms the face of the earth
Erasing the dew left behind,
Warmth at midday draws praise from the trees
Extending their arms even higher.

Evening sun delicately paints the skies
Resting from a full day's work;
Sleepy trees so aware of His peace
Never cease to honor His presence!

Watch and listen to creation's praise,
Psalms to the Artist resound!
Take note, mankind, see the Glory of God;
To His Majesty, render praise loud!"

Father of Creation, teach me to be like a tree with my heart to responding to You in endless praise . . . unceasing joy . . . continuous expressions of adoration regardless of my circumstances! Father, I love You and yearn to walk in the fullness of joy, in the place where You are glorified in me, through me, and by me. Lord, don't allow anyone or anything to take my place in praising You, but rather teach me to respond to Your presence on a minute-by-minute basis with heart-rending praise! You are so Worthy . . . You deserve all the praise! Amen!

"And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luke 19:40)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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