Praise God

While praying this morning, I was looking out the livingroom window at our large tree. It reminded me of a discussion I heard at a Chi Alpha (Christian club) gathering at the College of Lake County a few years ago. A group leader was talking about God's creations and how the branches of trees grow upward and looks as though they're praising God. It's a simple way of reminding us of God's glory. It made me think of these verses:

^"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 women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD."

Psalm 148:7-14 

After reading that, I read the first 6 verses of Psalm 148, and I love it so much. In the past, I've often stared into the sky for a long time and then asked Andrew why God created planets, stars, and everything else floating around in the universe. It is beyond extraordinary if you take time and really think about how amazing it is. Andrew would always answer back: to give glory to God. I love hearing that answer, and here it is in the flawless words of the bible:

"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever—he issued a decree that will never pass away."

Psalm 148: 1-6