For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12
Have you ever seen trees clapping? When I look around on a windy day, I see trees bending and swaying. Yes, I could say they were clapping. And the whistling of the air through them could seem a song.
The wind, or Hebrew ruach, is what moves these otherwise inanimate objects. It presents a beautiful picture of the Ruach HaKodesh, literally Holy Wind or Spirit, moving creation to praise. In Isaiah, the trees clap in response to the work of the Lord.
I, too, am part of creation. At times wooden in my attitude or outlook, when faced with the work of Spirit, He moves me to praise - sometimes against resistance.
Just like the wind, I can’t see the Holy Spirit, but I see evidence of His presence. And I am grateful that throughout creation He reminds me who He is.
- Like a cool breeze on a warm day, the Spirit refreshes and restores.
- Like the cleansing power of wind to blow away the remnants of an old season, the Spirit heals and gives a fresh start.
- In the force of a windstorm, I’m reminded of His awesome power.
Stand outside. Open your arms and let the air move around you. Be reminded of the Holy Spirit and His work in and around you.
Oh soul of mine, watch and yield! Clap at His work! And let all the earth praise His Name!
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20
