Kenneth Samuel: The Planet In Praise

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children." - Psalm 148 (NIV)

Make no mistake about it, the entire earth is a declaration of God's awesome power to create and sustain life with wondrous beauty and fathomless splendor.  Every leaf on a tree, every crystal in a snowflake, every feather of a bird, every pebble on a mountain, every leg on an ant and every whisper of the wind is a testament to the great care and "attention to detail" of the Creator.

According to the Psalmist, humanity is not distinct from, but very much a part of the earth's natural symmetry.  When we violate the planet through global warming, toxic contaminants and environmental neglect, we interrupt the planet's praise to God.  And in so doing, we pollute our own praise to God as well.

Prayer

Gracious God, Let our praise to you be reflected in our care for the planet, and let our love for you resound throughout this wondrous world.  Amen.  

Taken with permission from UCC's StillSpeaking devotional.Visit UCC.org