Outdoor Worship Service

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

—Psalm 136:1

In case you haven’t heard, a worship service is being held outdoors this morning.

That’s right. All churches in our area have cancelled “indoor” morning services due to the aftermath of Winter Storm Jonas. But a worship service is being held right outside your home.

The storm has passed; the sun is out. And God calls you to witness the work of His hands. Step outside. I did—to shovel my deck and my walkway. But this is what happened.

The sky preached and the birds praised.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

    and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words,

    whose voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out through all the earth,

    and their words to the end of the world.

                                —Psalm 19:1-4

Nature proves that God exists. Day after day His faithfulness causes the sun to rise and shine again. 

How can anyone deny that the exquisite landscape this morning is a product of His glorious handiwork? 

Only He could have joined together the icy stars that fell from the sky over the past two days and nights into a magnificent blanket of crystals.

As I stood on the deck, taking in the beauty of the morning, I lifted my face to the sun and suddenly felt warm. I couldn’t help but burst forth in audible praise to the Creator. Praise for the splendor of His creation, and praise for so much more. 

I’m wondering if you would join with me in giving thanks for His hand upon us throughout the storm.

The author of Psalm 136 has given us a beautiful place to start.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who alone does great wonders,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who by understanding made the heavens,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who spread out the earth above the waters,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who made the great lights,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

the sun to rule over the day,

    for his steadfast love endures forever

                                —Psalm 136:1-8

And I don’t think the author would mind if we pen a few verses of our own.

For what can you specifically give thanks this morning?

Here are some of my ideas:

        To him who kept the electricity on,

            for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who kept my roof from caving in,

            for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who kept me safe and warm,

            for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who watched over my loved ones,

            for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who kept me well-fed,

           for his steadfast love endures forever;

        to him who gave me rest,

           for his steadfast love endures forever;

        Give thanks to the God of heaven,

           for his steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).

        Amen.