Finally! At long last we’re starting to see signs of spring here in Toronto.

There’s still a bit of snow on the ground, but the tiny snowdrops in my garden are already shyly blooming. The tulips are just starting to poke the tips of their leaves above the ground like a periscope, as if checking to see whether it’s safe to emerge.

“The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.” (Song of Solomon 2:12 NLT)

After a long winter, it makes my heart sing to see the beginnings of spring.

But do the flowers and trees themselves sing? And if they do, what is their song telling us?

Author Linda Brooks, in her 2018 book, “Orchestra In My Garden,” seems to share my sentiments about the spring season:

”Once the snow disappears and my garden starts to emerge from its slumber, I cannot jump up fast enough to catch the first light, to lose (and find) myself among kindred spirits and bend my ear to their voices. No, I am not deluded. I do understand that plants are not human and cannot speak, but no one can convince me that they do not sing.”

She’s right: plants do sing. But perhaps she’s missed who they’re singing to.

They sing to God.

Scripture tells us that nature sings in joy to its Creator:

“The wilderness pastures drip with dew,
and the hills wrap themselves with joy.
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
and the valleys are covered with grain.
They shout for joy;
yes, they burst out in song!” (Psalm 65:12-13 ISV)

“The trees of the forest will sing for joy when they see the Lord, because he is coming to rule the world.” (1 Chronicles 16:33 ERV)

“Command the ocean to roar
with all of its creatures
and the fields to rejoice
with all of their crops.
Then every tree in the forest
will sing joyful songs to the Lord.” (Psalm 96:11-13 CEV)

And what is nature’s song? It’s one of praise to God. The hymn “This Is My Father’s World” echoes what these Scriptures are telling us:

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.”

So often we focus on the beauty of nature and the joy it gives us, without paying attention to what its beauty is pointing to: the majesty and creativity and power and magnificence of the One who created it, who is worthy of praise.

When we see the delicate elegance of a flower, or the impressive grandeur of a mountain range, or the splendour of a sunset, we shouldn’t stop at just appreciating the scenery. The beauty of nature should cause us to thank and praise the God who created all of this wonder for us to enjoy.

If nature itself sings to God and praises Him, shouldn’t we?

© 2020 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.