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Verse:Make a joyful noise unto the LORD all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God. —Psalm 100:1–3, KJV
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to change their daily living activities. It has given us more time to view the things around us, particularly the wonders of nature. Spring has brought the blooming of flowers and leaves.
Birds are singing and flying from tree to tree, mating, and building nests in the bushes. Squirrels and chipmunks are running to and fro.
Insects, such as bumblebees, are doing their usual dances.
Deer and other animals are wandering in the nearby underbrush. I am in awe of the marvelous way God created these things.
He said in Matthew 6:25–34 to consider the world He has created and not worry about tomorrow. In the wake of COVID-19, many worry about their health, families, stock market fluctuations, and other significant matters.
While my mind was contemplating the activities of God’s creatures, I asked myself, why do we worry, despite knowing that God is faithful to provide? Although the earth is marred by sin, both animate and inanimate creation follow the laws instituted by God. The sun rises and sets every day; the moon and the stars show up in the evening; the wind blows at its appointed time —all under the guidance of the Creator.
One of the creatures that captured my attention the most was a bird. There is a tree at the back window of my bedroom, and every year a bird wakes me up around three thirty in the morning. I hear it tweeting and singing. I imagine it is talking to its chicks while praising God for life and the food He provides it each day.
How about us? Do we focus just on the pestilences flying around us, forgetting that we need to praise the Lord and let Him take care of our needs? Or is gratitude also an important part of our lives? I’ve come to realize that the most important thing we need to do is trust our powerful God to shelter us under His mighty wings. Psalm 100:1–3 says to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God” (KJV). So let us praise Him in songs and psalms.
Flore Aubry-Hamilton