All Creatures, Praise the Lord
I’ve just watched the sunrise at the beach and am once again in awe of God’s creation. As the Psalm says, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Psalm 148:3 calls, “Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.” Over and over again, the Psalms invite creation itself to worship the LORD. But what does that actually mean?
We sometimes declare these same words in the songs we sing. All Creatures of Our God and King is based on Psalm 148. In it we join with creation in praise:
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Have you ever wondered how creation “praise” God? The Bible isn’t saying that the sun or stars sing songs like we do. Instead, creation praises God simply by being what God made it to be. The sun rises and sets in its appointed time, tides continually change, the trees bear fruit, the birds sing, all of it displays the wisdom, order, and beauty of the Creator. God’s glory and kindness is revealed creation. It points us back to the One who spoke it into existence.
In other words, creation praises God by fulfilling its purpose and reflecting His glory. We are made in His image, we are called to join that great choir consciously, lifting our voices in words and songs of praise. Where creation points to God, we proclaim Him. Where the heavens declare His glory, we declare His grace.
Psalm 148 ends by saying, “He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants” (v. 14). That “horn” is Jesus—the one through whom and for whom all things were made (Colossians 1:16). He is the centre of creation’s song. One day, every creature in heaven and on earth will sing together: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).
So next time you watch the sunrise, listen to the ocean, or look up at the stars, any time you appreciate God’s beautiful creation, remember: they are praising their Maker. And you are invited to join in.
