Sing with the Trees and Seas
God created us to be singing people. All you need to do is just listen for a few minutes to the human beings and human culture around you, and you’ll hear singing all the time.
We sing at birthdays, and we sing at funerals. We sing at weddings, and we sing at sporting events. We sing political songs, and we sing songs of war and history. We sing songs of deep sorrow, and we sing songs of great joy.
I am deeply persuaded that the singing nature of humanity is meant to draw us toward God by inviting us to participate in the ongoing chorus of creation.
“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…” (Psalm 96:11–13).
“Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord…” (Psalm 98:7–9).
“The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
What is it that creation is singing about? I am deeply persuaded that it’s a constant hymn to the first four words in the Bible: “In the beginning, God…”
The song of creation, and therefore, our singing, too, is designed to bow to this truth: that God is at the center of all things, and as Creator, he deserves all glory and all our praise and worship.
Of course, we are designed to read, memorize, recite, and listen to that truth as well, but there’s something unique about music and singing that just potentiates the power of communicating that theology, worship, celebration, and submission.
I like to think of it this way: the songs that capture and captivate your heart will shape your life, because the songs that get deep into your soul, deep into your heart, and deep into your mind will shape everything you think, say, and do.
Do you vocally join in the chorus of creation every single day? I don’t know if you’ve thought about this or not, but the trees, seas, rivers, mountains, forests, and hills don’t reserve their singing just for Sunday. They are singing all the time.
As people of faith, we should be, too.
It doesn’t make sense to just sing once a week. While there’s something powerful and special about singing corporately with fellow believers for gathered worship, it makes no more sense to sing just once a week than it does to eat just once a week.
If the righteous shall live by faith, then we need to be consuming the truths of God all week long, every single day. One of the easiest methodologies of consumption is through song.
God created us to sing, and when we sing, we remember him. We remember his glory. We remember his grace. We remember his presence. We remember his power.
Why don’t you commit to singing more this week and this month? Why don’t you start singing today! Commit to singing the truth found in the first four words of the Bible—that at the center of all there is, there is One who rules all things and who showers his glory and grace down on us.
I can’t think of a better and easier way to do this than by singing some of the phenomenal classic hymns of the faith. To encourage you in that practice, I teamed up with my friends at The Worship Initiative to record five legacy hymns sing-alongs, with my commentary.
You can sign up for a free account on their Sing platform with just your cell phone number. That will give you free access to a 5-part devotional series where I teach on, and Robbie Seay sings, five of my all-time favorite hymns.
“Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” (Psalm 98:5–6)
A Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be a person who sings. Remind me of the power and beauty of singing worship to you in all things: nature, friendship, beauty, warmth, kindness, and greatest of all, the gospel. May I be one of your children who sings your praises each day as I remember your glory, your grace, your presence, and your power. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Discussion Prompt for Children
1. Why do you think singing is such a normal part of being a human being? How does singing help you to express what you’re feeling on the inside? Why is it so important to sing to God?
2. How does singing help you remember words, phrases, ideas, thoughts, and questions? How do you think singing can be a powerful way to help you get to know God and also give him the worship he deserves?
3. What is your favorite worship song to sing at church? In what ways or places can you and I sing that song not just on Sundays?
Reflection Questions
1. Why do you think singing resonates so much with the human experience? How does singing incorporate itself into your everyday life? In what ways can the idea of singing itself point you to the beauty and purposefulness of the gospel?
2. How can singing be a powerful and purposeful way to get to know God better and experience his presence in your life? Why then is it so important to flood your mind and heart with uplifting and worshipful songs that praise God and sanctify your own heart?
3. What are some everyday practices you can incorporate into your life that highlight singing praises to God and worshipping him through song?
4. How can singing the Bible disciple and shape you into a person who walks closely with God and lives a godly life? In what ways can you consume the truth of the Bible through the medium of song? What might be your specific plan to implement consuming Scripture through song?