I love the imagery conjured up when I read how creation will respond to the coming of the Lord: Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Trees in a mighty choir giving voice to their joy at the coming of the Lord. Does this figurative language not hint at something deeper, a hope more wonderful than we dare imagine?

I wonder if at the dawn of creation trees actually sang? Perhaps the entry of sin and death into the world brought about at least one deeper repercussion than we realize—the silencing of the trees.

What music must remain pent up in our muted forests! When the Lord returns, how quickly will the woodlands of North American wake up and sing? As they blend their voices with those from vast stretches of Siberian pine and birch, imagine the crescendo when the harmonizing rainforests of the Amazon enter the score.

Better cover your ears.

So much exists around us on a spiritual plane we know nothing about. We glimpse only shadows playing on a wall. I believe we vastly underestimate the power and creativity and goodness of the Lord. Trees of the forest singing for joy hint at a world more wonderful that I can imagine.

Outside my window I look at a large ash tree, finally bearing fresh leaves after the long winter. I imagine it’s a tenor. When it wakes up to sing I hope I’m around to join in.

Psalm 96 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by David Bruyndonckx