Symphony of Praise (Day 1 from, Beside Still Waters)

 

The earth is the lord's and all its fulness

Psalm 24:1 NKJV

BECAUSE THERE IS A speed limit of 15mph on the lake and most of its residents are of retirement age, life here is very quiet and peaceful. We enjoy the beauty of the lake, fishing, and seeing the wildlife that we share the lake with. One of my favorite times is to sit on the swing down by the waterfront or on the back deck and just listen to the beauty of nature. From the flight calls of the Canada Geese to the night crocking of the various types of frogs, it is like going to the symphony. As I sit silently listing to the sounds of nature I am reminded of scriptures that reveal Gods creation praising him, “The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” (Psalm 104:12 NIV); the morning fills with a beautiful choir of songbirds and the occasional drumroll of the woodpeckers.  Off in the distance, you can hear the flight calls of the Sand Hill Cranes which remind me of a chorus of sopranos raising their voices in one accord to praise their creator. From all over the lake the tone of the morning musical can be heard as the calls of the Canada Geese fill the air; it is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard; as my heart begins to sing “Praise is to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:6-7 NIV).

It’s no secret I would spend all day out on the boat if I could, so when my husband asks me if I’m ready to go fishing, I’m the first one in the boat with Avery, my little dog, on my lap. There is nothing more relaxing than the rhythm created by the waves splashing against the boat as we head to our favorite fishing site; once we let down our anchors and bait our hooks, we're settled in for the day. It may take a while until we find the right tackle, bate, and spot where the fish are biting but we know the rewards will be on our dinner plates that night.  For me, that time is well spent as I become more aware of things around me.  The beat of the water with its rippling effect, caused by a gentle breeze, is like a lullaby that brings you into total peace reminding me of one of my favorite scriptures; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).  You see I made God a promise that I would not allow my negative thought or emotions to rule my life any longer, and every time the peace of this place comes over me I am reminded of that promise, and in his word, he promises to guard our heart and mind. As time passes I began to see an interlude of praise playing softly in the waters as the fish feeding off the surface creates a soft melody and the turtles poking their heads up from beneath creating the sweetest harmony. It isn’t long before I notice the dragonflies dancing before the Lord; “Let them praise His name with the dance . . .” (Psalm 149:3 NKJV). As I delight in the scene unfolding before me my thoughts filled with praise, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praises to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever” (Psalm 30: 11-12 NKJV).