Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of March 13, 2022

Weekly reading: John 16-21; Psalm 98
Passages referenced: PSALM 19:1; 66:4; 96:11-12; 98:4-9a; 148:1-5; 150:6

I know it snowed last week, and it could still snow in the weeks to come. But spring is springing, my friends. The daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and grape hyacinths at my house have started popping up. And in my book, that signals that spring is just about here.

And I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to celebrate. Summer might be my favorite season, but there’s just something special about the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s been so long since we’ve seen green growing things. When they start blooming, it almost feels like there’s a collective sigh of relief. Winter is over, and new life has begun.

It was in this mood of celebrating spring, new creation, and the Creator that I looked at this week’s reading. And when I got to Psalm 98, I couldn’t help but smile. Because this psalm moves us from celebrating God’s creation to celebrating God with creation.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, – Psalm 98:4-9a

This idea of creation praising God is one that we see multiple times in scripture, especially the Psalms:

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. – Psalm 19:1

Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs. – Psalm 66:4

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy – Psalm 96:11-12

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all the armies of heaven! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. – Psalm 148:1-5

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:6

So, I think we need to do just that. This week, this spring, and beyond. Let’s get out in God’s creation, enjoy it, and join with creation in worshiping the Creator. – Sarah Neel