Why don't men praise God as nature does? Read the following scriptural references thoughtfully.

The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys covered with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing. Psalms. 65:13

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded, and they were created Psalms 148:3-5

You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap "their" hands. Isaiah 55:13

He answered, "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!" Luke 19:40

Creation stands ready to praise its Creator. Think of the beauty of nature, its function and purpose. It's made for mankind to enjoy, yet nature is subject to respond to its Creator in singing, praise, and clapping in the sense being expressed by the Psalmist. The eyes of the Psalmist have been opened to see the effect and response of nature because he himself has discovered the source of real life. Having a vital relationship with the Living God and enjoying an intimate fellowship with him, causes him to look at life and the surrounding world with a new perspective. Here is one of my favorites concerning creation.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psalms 19:1-3

There is one glory of the sun, which shines forth by day; and there are other glories of the moon and of the stars, which become visible by night. And because day and night interchangeably divide the world between them, they are therefore represented as transmitting in succession, each to other, the task enjoined them, like the two parts of a choir, chanting forth alternately the praises of God. (Bishop Horne)

Now that my heart has awakened unto the salvation of the Lord and the continual instructions of the Holy Spirit, I see more than a tree, a flower, the heavens, or even all of nature around me. I see the Wisdom, Power and Goodness of God, and my heart sings in worship. Now the trees are greener and more majestic, the fields with their crops are more vibrant and seem fresher. The sunlight is more brilliant than ever. It just seems that everything looks better. These things did not just appear, but a infinite power brought them forth with his kiss of love for all mankind.

Yet, I sense there is a taking for granted, these blessings sent our way. Maybe even the idea, with some, that God ought to send them. But why should he? What have we done to deserve God's blessings? Are your spiritual eyes opened to see the true condition of people all around us? It appears to me that God is not important to most folks. Just go to any restaurant and observe when the meal is served how many humbly bow their head and thank God for their food. Go to most any church on a Sunday morning and look at the empty pews. Skip church one Sunday morning (I don't recommend this) and ride around in your community and notice how many folks did not go to church, but stayed home or went off somewhere else. No, I am afraid God is not really important to many people. How about you? Is God important to you? Do you praise Him? Do you find yourself throughout the day just thinking of Him and His goodness to you? Do you find yourself continually thanking Him for being so merciful to you? Are you aware of how unworthy you are of His blessings to you? Or are you one of these that just take Him for granted or else think He ought to bless you?

Until our spiritual eyes are opened we are so ignorant about God and life. We have a tendency to go about life as if we are in control, and we are to live as it pleases us as long as we do not get into trouble.

Do you ever think about how nature obeys the laws of God? Even the animals respond appropriately to the nature God gave them. But not man. We have to be taught to obey our Creator and even then, so many do not, and many others only do so in a measurable manner. What about you? Is it your intention to serve and obey God? Are you consciously endeavoring to do the will of your Maker through Jesus Christ? While it is true that nature is groaning because of the curse of sin the Apostle Paul says;

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Romans 8:22

So creation is still fully sanative to both groan and praise God for its being. The hospitals and other institutions are filled with those who are groaning. How many are lifting up their groans to the Father of love? How many are trusting the doctors or medicines to take care of their problems? The truth is too few understand that the afflictions we experience are the result of sin. Everyone will feel sins curse. This is what the original sin brought when Adam disobeyed the Lord God. But a savior has come with the promise of a new life and then a new body, wherein there will be no more groaning either in nature, or in the eternal bodies of the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have that hope promised by the Lord?

There is a God who hears the cries and see the afflictions of His people. Yes, the Lord has a people among the people of the world. Who are those people? Those that have repented of their sin and trusted Jesus Christ as their own personal savior. God has accepted them upon the basis of their faith in Jesus Christ. But no matter our situation, one interesting verse in the Bible says;

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

We can give thanks to Him because He knows best. We can thank Him because it is no worse than it is. We can thank Him because of who He is. nature can praise God, why can't we? Why can't we resolve to start praising Him as never before because of all He has done for us, is doing for us, and is going to do for us?

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 150:6

Yes, our Father in Heaven desrerves PRAISE! The word "praise" is found in our Bible 216 times and the term "praise the Lord", is found 33 times. We especially see the use of the word "praise" by the Psalmist, and in the book of Revelation, where there is much praise going on. Over and over we are encouraged to praise the Lord because of His goodness unto us.

In heaven around the throne of God, there are the four living creatures who are constantly praising the Lord by crying "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty." In the seventh chapter of Revelation we are told of a scene in heaven when, a multitude so vast they cannot be numbered, will stand before the throne of God and praise and give thanks unto Him for their salvation. These were all saved during the seven year tribulation period.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:9-12

If angels and nature can praise God, then let us! Don't you want to praise the Lord Jesus today while you have the opportunity.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not praising you as we should. You deserve all praise and worship because of who you are, the glorious eternal God of creation. Amen. Preacher