Joy to the World

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer about Singing Mountains and Clapping Trees

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 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. Isa. 55:11-12

Dear heavenly Father, this passage resonates with a joy deeply rooted in my soul, because I love mountains, of all shapes and sizes. There’s just something about massive mounds of rock and earth that causes my heart to feel the greatness of your glory, the weightiness of your grace, and the endlessness of your mercy. What a Creator you are. What a creation you have give us.

I guess it started with Boy Scouts trips to the hills of western North Carolina, then on to exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains around Boone and Banner Elk, North Carolina. And I’ll never forget my first sighting of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado—the shimmering Aspen leaves against the rich blue of a humidity and haze-free fall skyline.

But then there was the day I stepped off the train in the village of Interlaken, Switzerland, and got hammered with the holy wonder of three Alps: the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. I can still see, smell, feel, and taste the sensual overload of that day. Indeed, Father, the works of your hands declare your glory, loud and clear. How can I keep from singing your praise?

But, Father, these words of Isaiah envision a day when the mountains themselves will burst into their own song—the new song of the new creation order. Though your glory is clearly revealed in the beauty of your creation, it is revealed ten thousand times more in the redemption you freely give us in Jesus. Jesus is the Alps of your mercy, grace, and love for us!

Because of Jesus, we, your redeemed people, will forever live a life of joy and peace in the new heaven and new earth—this very world renewed by the One who is making all things new. We praise and bless you for being such a wonderful, merciful Redeemer. You have spoken, you have promised, and so shall it be! Your Word will accomplish everything you decree and all your delights.

So in light of the Day of singing mountains and clapping trees, we raise our voices, declaring, “Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; while fields and floods; rocks, hills, and plains; repeat the sounding joy; repeat the sounding joy; repeat, repeat the sounding joy.” Father, prove the wonders of your love, in us and through us, all this day long. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ matchless and merciful name.