One morning at the beginning of March, I awoke early, went into the kitchen and opened the blind. In the bright morning light, I saw my neighbour’s magnolia tree in full bloom – and it took my breath away!
At the start of this period of social distancing, the sight of this beautiful tree set me off in thanksgiving and praise to God. In one delightful moment, it provided reassurance and confirmation that God is in control.
It’s amazing how God meets us and uses his creation to remind us of his love and grace. The God who created beauty in the world all around us, created us to be filled with his Spirit, and to give him praise.
Psalm 147:1 says, “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is beautiful.”
Psalm 33:1 says, “Praise from the upright is beautiful.”
Whenever we lift our voices in praise, prayer, adoration and thanksgiving, we should realise that it is a beautiful thing that we are doing, and that God and all of heaven rejoices with us.
Once, during one of our Sunday morning worship services, in a community hall in Shepshed, we heard angels singing. I thought it was just me, but later around the dinner table, our Son Iain said, “did you hear angels singing?” We all did. Isn’t that amazing, our combined praise in a little community hall touched heaven and heaven joined in! It’s something we will never forget. Praise is the language of heaven.
Psalm 33:13:15 says, “The Lord looks from heaven; he sees all the sons of men. From the place of his dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.”
The passage says, “He fashions their hearts individually.” Therefore, in worship let us remember that God made us individually, to have a wonderful relationship with him, to enjoy his company, to revel in his love and enjoy him forever.
The passage also says, “God looks from heaven.” In this pandemic, God has not taken his eye off his world. He sees us, He looks from heaven upon us. He considers all our works!
Are you considering whether there really is a God who sees you, knows you and loves you? For those of us who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and have eternal life, we praise Him because of this promise alone. Therefore, I urge you to seek God while he may be found, and in belief worship Jesus because praise is beautiful from grateful, thankful hearts.
Praise God and enjoy him forever!
Nanette Hesketh
Thank you Nanette. Beautiful words and so encouraging. I have been blessed on our short walks looking at all the beautiful blossom on the trees. I am sure it’s more so this year. I have submitted a picture of blossom in our local park for St Mary’s challenge this week. x