The heavens
proclaim the glory of God.
Day after day they
continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without
a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message
has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
I have read this passage many times.
Paul uses this concept to explain all of mankind can quite plainly see God IS.
Creation reveals His existence. I have always thought of this
passages in this way. Yet I am coming to understand it in deeper ways. He
speaks through creation in personal and intimate ways as well as conceptual
ways. He has long spoken to me through creation; I am just coming to a fuller awareness
of how powerfully He speaks to me through the beauty and even barrenness of
nature. I guess this is why being in nature is commonly understood as a
spiritual discipline, a way to open one's heart to God.
I have always had an awe for the
beauty of creation as I have been privileged to have experienced stunning
natural beauty in my lifetime. But in the last few years, I have had it speak
to my heart in deep and meaningful ways that transcend mere wonder. I am
realizing that God talks to me loud and clear through creation in specific
ways. Tender ways.
Times when my heart has ached, when I
have been troubled, I have glanced up and seen the beauty of clouds painted in
pastel colored wisps flung across the blues of the canvas sky. I have looked
out over the ocean crashing in endless rhythm as the setting sun casts gems of
sparkling color on sea and sky. Both a welcome invitation for me to stop and
enjoy majesty, to forget for the moment, the fleeting issues that concern me. A
flower pushing up through gravel or cement, demands me to see that life
and beauty prevail. The babble of water flowing down rivers or streams
speaking of the persistence of His love which flows as liquid grace from His
glorious throne. Mountain peaks towering with majesty remind me I am small in
the scope of life, yet not insignificant. The sound of the wind dancing through
the trees, like a symphony, tells me the Holy Spirit, Jesus described as like
the wind, is in me. He speaks to me of His profound, unending love for me.
These are all reminders He is with
me. His Voice in my heart, a gift of assurance. He has things well in Hand when it feels like life is careening out of control.
These reminders refresh and replenish me. They give me hope. Provide a bit of
light (what I need in that moment) when I feel I am groping in darkness.
I thank you Lord for Your beauty
which is all around. Beauty which speaks to my heart, if only I lift my eyes to
see. Thank you for Your glory displayed, moment by moment, which is the
expression of Yourself, for all to see. Your ever expanding glory, never-ending
creation, such a gift. Thank You we can perceive these things. Thank You for
the awe they inspire which provide hope for heart and soul. You are our never
ceasing hope of glory.
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