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The Nature Of Hope: A 5-Day DevotionalSample

The Nature Of Hope: A 5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 OF 5

All Creation Sings

Have you ever heard an animal sing?

Of course, we know that birds sing—but what about whales, antelope, mice, or toadfish? Many animals sing or communicate but it didn’t have to be this way. God could have designed all the animals to do their living and procreating on this earth without making a sound. But He gave us the joyful notes of the wren and the meadowlark. He gave us the eerie, moaning singsong of the humpback whale, the mournful howl of the wolf, the summer symphony of crickets, and many other songs of the animal kingdom.

Why did He do this?

Whales could still swim, birds could still fly, and wolves could still hunt without their songs... so why did He do it?

Most of the time, it’s obvious that this is how animals attract mates. But that’s not so with the humpback whale. In fact, the male humpback whale sings in such a way that when he comes up for air, it doesn’t disturb his song. Furthermore, scientists have observed other males coming alongside a singing whale and joining in. So we are back to: Why?

In Genesis, after God created the animal kingdom we read, “And God saw that it was good.” It pleased and delighted Him to equip animals to sing. Whether there has been a tornado, a war, or someone loved has passed on, the animals still sing. And it delights Him when we sing.

Singing isn’t just a nice sound, it can strengthen you and help you persevere in tough times. It’s hard to feel down and defeated when you are singing about the almighty power of God and His love for you.

The Psalmist writes, “I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress” (Psalm 59:16).

Singing can also be warfare, for defeating the powers of darkness. When Paul and Silas were in chains in prison, they sang. Then the prison walls were shaken and the doors flew open (Acts 16:25–26).

Singing encourages you and those around you. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). 

Every day, all creation sings.

Whether a disaster has hit or a life is falling apart bit by bit. With songs of praise, the walls of Jericho fell down. There is power is the spoken and sung word.

Up in the heavens, down in the forests, and deep under the sea, all creation sings.

Let’s join in.

 

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I hope you enjoy these devotions, discovering God in the heart of nature and finding rest from stresses in everyday life. 

Download the bundle exclusively for “The Nature of Hope” readers  to empower you on your journey towards enjoying the outside life. 

Day 2

About this Plan

The Nature Of Hope: A 5-Day Devotional

If you feel stressed, disconnected from God, and disenchanted with life, these refreshing devotions will help you find solace for your scattered soul. Laurie Kehler offers you a trail guide to finding God in the heart of nature. As you connect with the natural world, you will find rest from the stress of everyday life when you learn to delight in God and his creation.

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We would like to thank Laurie Ostby Kehler in conjunction with Harvest House Publishers for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/this-outside-life-9780736975797