Psalm 66:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 66:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Verse 2sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.
Verse 3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
Verse 4All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name." Selah
Verse 5Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
Verse 6He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him,
Verse 7who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations- let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah
Verse 8Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard,
Devotion
In the small early hours of the day, it is good to listen for the sounds of the waking world. I’m tuned into the song of the cardinal, but I also hear two motorcycles and a delivery truck.
This is my Father’s world and all nature sings ... hmmm. "Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth." There is the rustling grass and the leaves of the trees clapping praise outside my window. But so is the sound of the cycle and the truck.
Maybe the stirring of life is a valid call to worship and praise. The Creator God is everywhere – present in the here and eternal now of this moment. Yes, Lord, you are worthy of praise, not just in the silence of a mountain retreat, but in the noise and bustle of the city.
All the earth worships you. You are here – a present presence in all the sounds of my life.
Prayer
Lord God, open my heart and voice that I might cup my uplifted hands in prayer and be filled to overflowing with your life and love, forever singing your praises. Amen.