Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell
Psalms 104:12 God’s most colorful creations sing His praise, and we should too!
Photo © 2023, Steven Sande
“Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; They lift up their voices among the branches.”
Psalms 104:12 NASB1995
As I write this, Barb and I are in a secluded cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. We chose to stay in a place a bit closer to nature on the last few days of a vacation trip we’ve been on for almost three weeks, and I’m glad we did. Ironically, Barb has reached a point in Psalm 8 that praises God’s creation and Man’s dominion over the animals, so you’ll read a similar devotional from her tomorrow!
There is so much to see of God’s creation, and when I see the results of His work my heart sings! Here we have been listening to birds singing their varied and beautiful songs, and have been blessed with seeing some of His most beautifully dressed creatures.
Bishop George Horne (1730 - 1792) loved this psalm and must have rejoiced as much as I do when he listened to the birds singing:
“If these little choristers of the air, when refreshed by the streams near which they dwell, express their gratitude by chanting, in their way, the praises of their Maker and Preserver, how ought Christians to blush, who, besides the comforts and conveniences of this world, are so indulged with copious draughts of the water of eternal life, if, for so great blessings, they pay not their tribute of thanksgiving, and sing not unto the Lord the songs of Sion!”1
The next time you hear a bird singing, remember that it is expressing its gratitude to the Maker and give a prayer of thanks to Him.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Praise to you, Lord! All creation praises you. You made the Earth and provide food, water and shelter for all creatures. We’re dependent on You, but sometimes forget that You are near so we panic. Through Your gift of the Holy Spirit, we realize that You are always with us and we become joyful! All creation sings Your praise, and I praise You with my voice, my prayers, and my life. AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org.
Horne, George "Commentary on the Psalms" (Audubon, New Jersey: Old Paths Publications, 1997 of a 1771 edition)