The only real experience I had with classical music was during the Music class at school and the one teacher who played records in her room during quiet times. But this day was something special. My sister and I were asked to join a small group of teens to attend a concert of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. The cousin of an attendee would play in the orchestra that year and I was thrilled to be attending.
We got our seats early so we could be sure we were in a good location to see. The instrumentalists warming up with different sounds and scales all playing at the same time was like listening to the sounds of nature. Everyone had their own different sound. Everyone was playing something different. While I was amazed at what I heard, it wasn’t until the conductor raised his baton and the first sounds of a well-practiced group took my breath away. Every section came together to make the most beautiful sound floating throughout the hall; a sound of excellence.
His Name Alone Is Excellent
The last five chapters of Psalms are considered the Hallelujah Psalms. Each one begins and ends with same four words, Praise ye the Lord. In chapter 148, we see how nature is being called out to praise the Lord. Can you imagine if all of nature, everything praised the Lord at one time? I’m sure if we could hear all the sounds of nature singing its praise to the Lord it would be a sound we would never forget. I have a feeling it would bring both awe and fear. Fear of just how great our Lord is.
Praise the Lord from the heavens.
Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all stars of light.
Fire, and hail; snow, and clouds
Mountains, and hills; fruit trees, and cedars; animals; creeping and flying
Kings, and people; young and old
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Psalm 148:13
One day soon when all of nature sings their praises to the Lord, it will be a sound of a symphony; a sound of excellence. A sound we will want to hear.
Won't that be an incredible day ... when everything that has breath will praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLori, thanks for hosting!
Lori, wonderful analogy and reminder how beautiful praise is to the ears of God.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lori, for this symphony of praise!
ReplyDeleteI love that passage. His name alone is excellent. Amen. Also, I'm thrilled to be featured! What a pleasant surprise to my morning. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI love this in relation to praising God. I played clarinet in marching band and bassoon in concert band in high school. I have loved classical music all of my life. So I am delighted for you and have a sound in my ears and heart right now of the praise to God. Amen for a special post, Lori.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it going to be wonderful? I can't wait to hear the sweet sounds! We get glimpses of them here, like your orchestra experience, but we can't even imagine how good it will be. Thanks for sharing, Lori.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteIt's a day I'm looking forward to, Donna.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. I'm thankful I can sing praise to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kelly. This chapter is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I play the piano and loved playing Mozart when I had recitals in high school. I love hearing nature sing its praise to God in the early mornings and in the evenings.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it will be like, Lisa. I'm looking forward to the day we can hear all the sounds together singing praises.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah.
ReplyDeletelove your blog posts, the symphony is something that I have dreamed of going to. Thankful for Thursday link up! many blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn. I have only been that one time and would love to again. Maybe we'll get to go someday soon.
ReplyDeleteIt will be beautiful, won't it! Although I know there is absolutely no scriptural backing to this, I'm still believing in Heaven there will be waiting an endless beach with weather in the low 80s, music, and a diet cherry pepsi! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, friend, for this lovely place of thankfulness each week!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
It will be wonderful, Lori. An endless beach and perfect weather is easy to imagine, but just thinking about what is there the Bible doesn't mention is mind blowing. It is a day, I'm looking forward to.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and a great reminder! He is worthy of Praise!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Kathryn.
ReplyDelete