| 
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10 (NIV) During the summer, we have many opportunities to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. From hiking in majestic forests and swimming in clear lakes to simply basking in the warmth of the sun, summer invites us to step outside and experience the world around us. These moments in nature can help us discover more about God because every part of creation displays evidence of our Creator's wondrous work. The Bible often points us to nature as a way to learn more about God. In this passage from Job, the Bible encourages us to look to the animals, the birds, the earth, and the fish to renew our perspective by remembering that God has made every creature and natural setting we enjoy. When we encounter God's wonder in nature and feel awe, we're experiencing more than just admiration for the beauty around us. We're also sensing something greater, which points us beyond ourselves and encourages us to seek God. Aspects of nature that inspire us with awe – such as the vastness of the sky, the intricacy of a flower, and the rhythm of ocean waves – can all lead us to contemplate the Creator who designed them. Nature's grandeur speaks volumes about God's power and creativity. The expanse of an ocean reminds us of God's infinite love. Towering mountains show us God's powerful strength. The sun directs our attention to the light of hope God shines in the darkness of our broken world. These elements of nature are not just beautiful; they are revelations of God's character, inviting us to know God more deeply. Whenever we experience God's wonder, we feel awe – a feeling that expands our perspective and allows us to see beyond our immediate circumstances to God. This shift in perspective reminds us of our Creator's caring presence with us. It also reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of creation, showing us that we don't have to become preoccupied with our worries and stresses, and we can trust our caring God to help us overcome our challenges and give us a sense of peace. The wonderful God who holds all of creation in his hands also holds our lives with loving care. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment