Symphony

In 2007, the biologist David Haskell spent the year observing one square meter of forest ground. Day after day, he returned, notepad in hand, listening and looking.

You know what surprised him most? The noise of trees! Branches creak like old doors, leaves rustle like crumpled paper, twigs crackle like tight joints, and seeds patter like tiny footsteps as they drop. Haskell called this patch of earth, “a living symphony”.

In Psalm 29, we learn that heaven is also a noisy place. One version says that “high in God’s temple, no creature is speechless”. Every voice adds a melody and harmony, until a living symphony of praise is lifted before God.

So right now, wherever you are, pause and listen to what is around you. Try to hear it as an echo of the heavenly chorus, inviting you to add your word of praise, your song, your whisper of “thanks” to God.

More on the topic:

• Haskell is not a Christian, but he rightly marvels at humanity’s unique role in the world
• Check out a great musical version of Psalm 29!
• A devotional on how being outside with God awakens and enlivens our faith
• A prayer to experience God in nature