A Forest’s Song

I will sing a forest’s song. Let every creature praise his holy name.

Let the heavens be glad, 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.

. Psalm 96:11-12 ESV

Let the forests sing for joy

What if God intended the great outdoors to be more than a happy place for nature enthusiasts like me? Have you ever contemplated creation’s impact on our lives or how a forest’s song might be a balm for our weary souls?

Creation’s impact on our well-being

While enjoying nature can affect blood pressure and serotonin levels, I hope always to study God’s timeless consideration for all His creation. Biblical History and the Book of Genesis state The Lord God created Eden as the first natural sanctuary. Although Adam and Eve’s choices eventually led to their departure from that perfect haven, and they faced times of anguish and misery after doing so, our heavenly Father’s concern for His children’s spiritual well-being continues today.

Summer forests and lullabies

I spritz my legs and clothing with a thin mist of lavender and rosemary essential oils to ward off giant ticks and other not-so-lovely forest dwellers before I retreat to the woods—AKA my backyard—where a forest’s song of deer bellowing or bleating, squirrels whimpering, and goldfinches tweeting settle my thoughts like a lullaby calms a baby’s cry. There are many welcomed nuances of summer in the western North Carolina mountains. The fantastic mix of cool morning breezes, balmy afternoons, and stunning, ever-changing sunsets are a few. Temps drop every evening, so I usually slip on a pair of jeans and possibly a lightweight hoody before my husband lights a campfire.

Finding serenity in His sanctuary

Is this God’s—or my sanctuary? Maybe it’s a little of both. But sometimes, I wonder why seeking and finding God’s presence in a forest’s song or the magnificence of this force is so underestimated in this ailing world. I tell myself: It’s okay to be reminded daily and share how the Holy Spirit’s power is often found in serenity.

It’s no big secret. I’m a little different. If your serenity is found on a metro train or on a rooftop balcony in the city … Amen. Just find it. I promise the time spent with a mindset of gratitude will be worth it.

The spirit of the Lord is here.

Forests praise?

I’ve heard a forest’s song of praise where giant oaks and evergreens or deep creviced stones and ancient earth mingle. The simplicity and splendor of our Creator’s majesty are most evident in hidden forests built with praise. When I look beyond twisted branches and a trillion leaves, I finally see and hear. It’s obvious. God’s glory lives there. I hope always to emerge thankful, my body covered with tingly goosebumps and my tired mind filled with bits of wisdom. Perhaps, there are more stories or rambling I’m meant to share—including more about a forest’s song.

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

Psalm 145:5-6 ESV

Worship in His presence and His sanctuary.

Sing a new song

My husband will attest he often finds me humming melodies or singing lyrics while outdoors—Some are contemporary tunes and a few, are Joann’s versions. Nature stirs my soul and moves my heart and mind to sing a new song every day. Sometimes I call it A Forest’s Song. I hope the appreciation of God’s creation does something similar for you.

Dear friends,

Although my thoughts and ponderings about the subject of creation’s impact in and on our lives may come across as ignorant to many, I only hope to try to find answers to my, and our heart’s deepest questions.

So, think about it…What if God intended the great outdoors to be more than a pretty place for us to enjoy? Have you ever thought about creation’s impact, or how the things man has created (even for our good) over many centuries differ from what God created for our good?

I pray we seek to see and appreciate Elyon, God Most High’s handiwork all around us. After all man’s creations we know and admire drift away, our heavenly Father’s intentional love for us will remain.

My hope is in His Word. His Way. His truth. I pray yours is too. If not today, then someday. Wishing you many blessings on your journey.

JC

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject here in the IAF comments section below this post. Look for more of my quirky stories on Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog or my website.

Special thanks to Pixabay for free use images: Feature Image by Petra from Pixabay, #: line2art , #2: Sven Lachmann from Pixabay, #3: Lars Nissen from Pixabay.