Clap your hands, all you people!
Shout joyfully to God with a joyous shout!
Psalm 47:1
The year I graduated from high school I entered a religious order called the Jesuits. We were called “novices” for the first two years—a word that means “new.” The seminary was high above the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York.
Every evening we used to take a walk to see the river. One evening, a novice said, “How come we only applaud when someone performs? Why don’t we clap for God’s beautiful creation…like that tree over there?” We began to applaud the tree, then doing the same for other ones. It seemed as though the more we clapped, the more we enjoyed the beauty of each tree. We had such fun!
How about doing the same while taking a walk with your family. It might seem a bit weird; but that’s part of the fun! For those who live in the northern hemisphere, it’s autumn, when the year comes to an end. How about clapping your hands for God who did such a beautiful job in making the world!
Examples of Bible Breaths Learn More…
All you nations, clap your hands. v. 1
All nations under Your p’wer v. 3
Sing praises to God our King. v. 6
Rulers putting down weapons v. 9
Check out Study Tools in BibleGateway.
I especially recommend the free resource
in Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
We read the Psalms in numerical order on Wednesdays
These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 