Joining with Creation: Why Your Praise Matters to God

God is not lacking praise. Creation testifies about Him perpetually (Ps. 19:2). Every tiny microorganism to the largest monster, along with a million other animals displays His genius. The networks of stars and planets declare the glory of God (Ps. 19:1). The Scripture reveals that the trees of the field clap their hands (Isa. 55:12). Jesus said even the stones can cry out praises to God (Luke 19:40). In their own ways, using the unique capacities that God has given, all of creation is singing their praises to the Creator.

So then, how can we humans add anything to this orchestra of glorious worship? In what ways do our praises enhance this intricate chorus of adoration?

Let us evaluate four ways we are uniquely designed above other creatures to glorify God.

Few animals are gifted with the skill of language. Certain bird varieties may have as many as a hundred distinctive sounds with definitive meanings to communicate. Likewise, a sparse number of mammals, such as dolphins, possess the aptitude to formulate a limited language with their own kind.

But none of these can compare to the level of vocabulary God has given to men and women. Did you know that the English language alone has more than 170,000 words? This is only the beginning, as there are more than 7,100 languages in the world today. Altogether, mankind has more than a billion words to choose from in formulating songs, poetry, and proclamations of praise to God.

Nature can make tremendous sounds of praise. The stars above may produce an electrical rhythm. The beauty of a creature’s call may intrigue our senses. But nothing can match the gift of words that God has bestowed upon us to utilize in bringing glory unto Him.

Not only that, but believers have intellect. We can use thoughts to invent new ways to worship God. Through our minds and hearts, we can even communicate with God in prayer. No animal can do this. An animal operates only within the realm of instinct. Beyond a limited ability to remember and respond to experience, reason is beyond their ability.

However, God has given us minds that can formulate thoughts that magnify Him. The Lord has granted us brains that can craft songs, analyze His attributes, and meditate on His magnitude. Our understanding can lift worship to a new level. This surely is meaningful both to us and to the One who receives our worship.

Biblically, angels are spiritual creatures. They manifest physical attributes only at God’s directive and in the moments He determines. But humans are special. We have physical bodies, yet are also created in the image of God as spirits. Our worship is spiritual and unrestricted by the temporal nature of flesh.

God therefore directs humans to worship like the angels in a way that nothing else upon the earth can mimic. We can worship in spirit.

What does that look like? It is hard to put into words, but Scripture gives us insight. The book of Romans conveys spiritual worship as not merely expressed through words but as something more, encompassing the entirety of who we are. We demonstrate this worship by acts of service, declaring His Word, fervency, rejoicing, and in a host of other ways (Rom. 12:1-21). But without question, our worship is unique relative to the abilities of all other creatures under heaven.

The Israelites were instructed to “choose for yourselves today whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Throughout the Psalms, the people of God are often exhorted to praise their Maker. God has given humans the unique ability to willfully reciprocate worship to Him. Yes, of course, as the all-powerful entity that He is, God could mandate and master us into worshiping Him. In fact, at a point in the future, He will do exactly that: “Every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10-11). The time will come when God stops the time clock he has allowed for rebellious humanity and will restore all things.

Nonetheless, in the meantime, God has allowed us the option to worship Him. As has been said, in worship God initiates and we respond. As my child can respond to my love with a heart of gratitude or with a heart of entitlement, so we respond to God in similar ways. We have the option to reciprocate His love or toss His love aside.

Other earthly creatures do not possess this privilege. A bird cannot help but sing. A beautifully designed animal cannot help but bring glory to its Maker.

However, we people of the earth can do more. We can either embrace or ignore the kindness of what God has done for us. We can take the blessings He pours out and turn them back into praise. We can “take our moments and days and let them flow in ceaseless praise,” (from “Take My Life and Let it Be” by Frances Havergal) or at our discretion squander them. God has blessed us with the privilege of worshiping from our hearts, making our offering valuable above all other created realities. Only the angels of heaven can match us in this ability.

In closing, let us not forget that mankind is unique among all of creation. The Lord crafted you in a special way as a vessel of worship. Our Father loves and cherishes you. He made you with a voice, mind, spirit, and will capable of pouring praises back to our magnificent Savior. Remember that to whom much has been given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). So let us join with creation, worshiping Him as the premiere instrument of His praise!

TRAVIS LEE
Evangelical | Historic Premillennialism
Travis Lee is a Nashville recording artist and ordained minister of Hope Church in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. He founded Faithwalk Ministries in 2009 and has authored several books including DEEPER: Launching a Faithwalk with God and the children’s book series entitled Adventures of Fred and Sylvia. The Travis Lee Band currently tours the United States and abroad teaching God’s Word at churches, recovery groups, and prisons. Travis and his wife Allegra, minister together and travel with their six young children, Arrow, Sabre, Scythe, Lance, Dagger, and Mace.