“O sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth. …
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD; for he is coming.”
– Psalm 96: 1, 11-13
I grew up near the Oregon beaches and still love visiting to see the ocean and the sunsets.
When I was a teenager I enjoyed watching a winter storm from the bluffs above the ocean. I would holler at the roar of the wind and waves; it was exhilarating to feel the power of God’s creation. It filled my heart with joy.
Many of the Psalms tell of the majesty of God’s creation, and the balance of nature; the sea that roars, the trees that sing, the lilies of the field, the musical birds, the still waters. Some of the Psalms describe the beauty and wonder, others tell of the fear that can be found in the storm, the lightning, or the earthquake. They describe the majesty, power and wonder that is God, our creator.
I have always loved being in the country, and have not been fond of city life. I enjoy God’s natural world, where I can readily find the wonder, and the miracles, that God has shown me to re-energize my soul.
But I am reminded that I miss the challenge from Christ – I have been challenged to share God’s love and grace. I have been challenged to feed the hungry, to clothe those in need; I have been challenged to offer hope for those who need God in their lives. It is a challenge that is not always easy to accept; it is easier for me to find God in the hills and forestlands.
I need to try, I need to offer God’s love and hope. I need to come back where people are, where people who are in need can be found. Will you join me? Will you go out among those who are in need and help share God’s Love? I pray that we can do this together. Amen.
Bob Beck is the former lay leader for Ebbert Methodist Church.
