May 6, 2021 | Nature
As I write this, the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and the leaves are showing that spring is upon us. All of nature seems to be coming out of hibernation and the glory of God is everywhere to see.
The beauty and wonder of nature is easy to take for granted. We fail to think of how a simple acorn can transform into a mighty oak tree or how the waters bring life because that’s the way it’s always been. We neglect to ponder upon the beauty of the rising sun or the wonder of birth because it happens every day.
In Psalm 8:3-4, the Psalmist took time to meditate on the wonder of God’s creation when he wrote, “When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” He saw that the proof of God was shining upon him. He saw the greatness of the Creator who, even though He created all, still cares for each individual that He has created.
Job had every reason to doubt God. All he had was lost. His family, his home, his health, all gone. Yet he could not deny God because the proof of Him was all around. He said in Job 12:7-10, “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”
Job knew this because he took the time to observe it and he couldn’t deny God because the evidence for Him was plain to see. In every leaf, within every creature, was the verification of our Creators existence. There was no denying God, so his faith remained secure even through tragedy.
So often, we enjoy nature but we don’t take the time to admire God’s fingerprints within it. We take it for granted that the sun will shine and that the crops will grow. It is no wonder to us how the animals multiply or how the rains continue to fall. We take for granted all that God has given us that only miracles could explain.
In Psalm 145:5, the writer does what we should take the time to do when he says, “On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate.” God’s wonderful creation has been given to you to sustain you and to enjoy. Drink it in and possess it. Take care of it and keep it pure.
In the nature that God has given us, we witness the very nature of God Himself. His love is shown in how nature supports us. His peace is shown in the gentle breezes. His glory is shown in the stars of the heavens. His patience is shown in the seasons and His grace is shown in its ability to heal itself. All of nature is a testimony to God. It is God’s Word brought to life through conception.
So, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy” (Psalm 96:11-12), because God continues to use it for His good. His handiwork is still obvious to all who believe and nature itself stands as a witness to His glory.
Enjoy all that God has given you in nature and take the time to see the evidence of Him all around you. Thank Him for the sun, the moon and the stars and rejoice in all else He has made. Protect it and sustain it for the miracle that lies within and help it to prosper. Please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of all You have given us within nature. Helps us to appreciate all that You have made and lead us to care for it so that future generations may enjoy it as we did. Amen.
