The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. 

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Scientists have identified 1.2 million animal species, but it is estimated that there are over 8 million or more living species on earth! This wide range is due to the fact that there is so much that has yet to be discovered. What we do know, however, is that despite the vast array of species on earth that God created (Genesis 1:20-25), He cares about us the most. After all, we were made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Matthew 10:29-31 highlights the Father’s care for us in relation to other living beings: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Last year I made a career transition and I won’t lie, it was scary! I took a leap of faith and left one job without having another secured. Some may call it foolish, but I earnestly sought God in prayer before I did it and trusted that He would make a way. It led me to seek Him in ways that I probably wouldn’t have if things were comfortable and easy. And let me tell you, He showed up and blessed me beyond what I could ask or think, as Ephesians 3:20 states. I have also seen Him show up for a widow who struggled to make ends meet, but then an unexpected check came in the mail. Instances like this help remind me that God sees us, and He cares.

God cares for and provides for all living species and as the key verse above points out, even the wild animals honor Him because of it. Luke 19:40 says “ I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out,” meaning that God will get the glory that He is rightfully due one way or another, even if it means getting it from an inanimate object. Colossians 1:16 states “all things have been created through him and for him.”  He created us for Him, and we were created to give Him praise. As 1 Peter 2:9 says, “ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (ESV).”  We worship God because He deserves it, period. It’s an added bonus that worshipping Him also has many benefits for us including taking the focus off of things that may be going wrong in our lives; feeling a sense of connection when we worship with others; improving our ability to tolerate stress; increasing our hope; and reducing fear and anxiety, just to name a few. Science has shown that singing releases endorphins and oxytocin which in turn helps us to feel happier, build trust, and feel bonded. It truly does bring joy! And what better way to feel connected to our Savior and others in the body of Christ than when we worship together. God even demonstrates His care for us in that!

If the wild animals honor God, how much more should we, given that we are His chosen people whom He created for Himself? Can you think back to a time when God made a way out of no way, providing streams in the wasteland for you? What darkness has He called you out of? Even if you have been a Christian your entire life, we are all prone to sin due to the Fall (Romans 3:23) and need God’s grace daily. Isn’t it amazing that we have access to the Father at all times and can approach Him with confidence? (Ephesians 3:12). Now that is praiseworthy! Psalm 8:4-9 poses the question  “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? “ It goes on to say, “You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

It is in God that we move and live and have our being (Acts 17:28), so the rightful response is to worship Him. The song “Great are you Lord” by All Sons & Daughters expresses this sentiment so beautifully with the lyrics “it's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only”.

There are so many reasons to praise God: the sacrifice He made for us in dying on the cross; His grace and forgiveness of our sins - past, present, and future; supplying our every need; loving us unconditionally. The list could go on and on, and we all have our own personal examples. I encourage you to write down a few of yours. Let us follow the example of David who proclaimed in Psalm 34:1, “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” The book of Psalms is a great place to start for verses on worship. I invite you to write down a few and then proclaim them aloud.

Lord, help us to never forget that we are your people who you created to give you praise. We won’t let all of creation cry out before we do. You are worthy of all of our praise. Amen.