Humming Houseflies
25 June 2025
Dear Faith Friends,
Are you like me? Do houseflies ever torment you around the sink?
The other day I learned that houseflies hum in the key of F.
Writer Kate Kennedy informed me…
…these irritating little creatures—the ones that make me feel silly while playing hide-and-seek around our kitchen sink as I grab the fly swatter too late—not only play games, but might be playing music as they bob and weave, as well.
This made me think of Psalm 148 which instructs all of creation to praise the Lord, including verses 10-13, “insects and flying birds . . . let them praise the name of the Lord.”
Houseflies aren’t the only melodious mites to obey Scripture’s command.
- Mosquitoes whine in frequencies between G and D.
- Bumblebees, befittingly, buzz Bs.
- Crickets chirp high Cs.
- Grasshoppers tweet around the pitch of E.
While ants and spiders don’t sing, they do make a little percussive clicking sound, kind of like when rubbing a rigged gourd. Altogether, bugs form a tiny, mighty, unlikely orchestra. Isn’t it just like God to make a bug-band to praise His name?
Hmm. Is it possible the Lord appreciates various creatures in ways I cannot see or care to consider?
Might that also be true for other people who seem more grating than graceful . . . at least to me? Might they be in the flow of God’s plan, design, and even delight, more than I first perceive?
How about you? In what key are you praising the Lord today? Here are some options:
A—affirming
B—befriending
C—compassionate
D—discerning
E—encouraging
F—faithful
G–generous
In what key will you add to creation’s beautiful love song to the Lord today?
Sing your song, play your part, and let’s celebrate that the Lord hears all of us together as sweet music!
Praising and pondering with you,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray:
Wondrous Lord Creator, may your humming houseflies humble me. Let my songs of praise be in harmony with all living things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Psalm 148:7-14
7 Praise the Lord, you from the earth,
you creatures of the sea
and all you depths,
8 fire, hail, snow, fog, and wind storm
that carry out his command,
9 mountains and every hill,
fruit trees and cedars,
10 living creatures and livestock,
insects and flying birds,
11 earthly kings and all peoples,
nobles and all court officials of the earth,
12 young men and young women alike,
along with older people and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is lifted up;
his majesty transcends earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a source of strength for his people,
an object of praise for all of his holy ones,
that is, for the people of Israel who are near him.
Hallelujah!