Sounds of Purest Praise

Welcome to Faith Connections Friday!

One of the wishes on my bucket list is to witness hearing the sound of an animal “singing.” On our recent trip to Wyoming, that wish came true.

What is the big deal? Well, to me, it is a way of hearing animals worship. Or maybe I’m just weird.

Why? Years ago, I went through one of Beth Moore’s Bible studies where she talks about one of her trips (which I believe must have been in the Northwest). She ventures outside at sunrise and sees the animal raise its head to the sun and sing its song of praise to the Lord. Of course, she describes the scene more eloquently. Since that study, I wanted that experience.

Here’s what happened. When you tour the national parks and see vehicles stopped on the side of the road, it most likely indicates someone spotted an animal in the wild. My husband stops the car, and out I go with the camera ready. A sweet lady said, “He’s over there through the trees. The view is best here.” And there he stands. A bull elk. Video is recording. Then he sings his song of worship. I got it! Wow!

Here’s a picture of my singer.

Connecting to the Bible, there is another sound I long to hear. The sound of the shofar, a ram’s horn. I have heard the shofar sound a few times. The first time was during a Messianic Jewish service. The sound was incredibly breathtaking.

The symbolism of the sounding of the shofar is to call people to attention (Leviticus 23:23-32). It is a specific sacred call on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and the High Holy Days leading to Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement). It signifies recognizing our need for repentance and rededicating ourselves afresh to the Lord. It is a time for people to worship God.

Faith Connections Challenge: Repentance is turning away from something that hinders your fellowship with God and then turning toward God to restore fellowship with Him. Examine your life and ask the Lord if there is anything in your life from which you need to turn and then turn to God. Then, obediently repent and refresh your commitment to follow God wholeheartedly (Micah 6:8). Lift your head toward the Son and sing your song of praise and worship!