Read: Psalm 104:10-17
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. (v. 12)
Before I sat down to write this, I opened the window so I could hear the birds in the background. I’m not skilled in identifying individual bird calls (or imitating them, as my sons are), but listening to birdsong is a beautiful way to begin the morning and a soothing way to end the day. The mourning dove’s plaintive coo or an oriole’s trill comforts me. When my husband was in the ICU, our daughter played recordings on her phone that combined soothing music with bird sounds, creating a peaceful atmosphere in a stressful situation.
In Psalm 148:13, all of creation is invited to “praise the name of the LORD.” Birds fulfill this mandate by doing what they’re designed to do: warble, tweet, caw, and chirp. They praise God instinctually, but we can praise God intentionally. Sometimes praising God doesn’t come naturally for us, and we must focus our hearts and minds on who God is and his unique purpose for us. Unlike the birds, we’re designed to have a personal relationship with our Creator. As the psalmist concluded this song, he exclaimed, “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD” (vv. 33-34).
Whenever birdsong penetrates the air, may we be reminded of our privilege to personally and intentionally praise our Maker. —Denise Vredevoogd
As you pray, sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
About the Author
Denise Vredevoogd is a private piano teacher who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
