The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1
As a Christian, I believe that God has revealed Himself to us in three ways – through His Word: the Bible, through His Son: Jesus Christ, and through His creation: nature. Have you ever been somewhere in nature that is so beautiful and amazing that you have to just stop, that it takes your breath away, that you are just in awe?
I was lucky enough to grow up in Western Michigan by the shores of Lake Michigan. It is really a beautiful place. I loved walking on the beach, along the water and looking out at the horizon – the expanse where the water meets the sky.
It looks like the edge of the world, but yet you know that there is much more beyond what your eyes can see.
God has revealed Himself to us through His creation. When we stop to notice how amazing this world we live in truly is, we can’t help but be in awe of it’s Creator.
I’ve been reading through Psalms over the last month or so and there are many references to creation and how it relates to God, it’s Creator. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read what the Bible says about this world that God has created, and be inspired that God has given creation to us for our enjoyment and entrusted it to us for it’s care.
Here’s some verses to get you started:
Psalm 19:1-4
Psalm 24:1-2
Psalm 33:5-9
Psalm 65:9-13
Psalm 89:11
Psalm 95:3-5
Psalm 96:11-13
Psalm 97:6
Psalm 104:24-25
Psalm 145:9, 17
Psalm 148
The heavens proclaim his righteousness and all the peoples see his glory. Psalm 97:6
Do you have a favorite Bible verse about creation? One that encourages you in your care of God’s creation?
I definitely agree with you! I like the hymn (I think it is a Presbyterian one) “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings, and ’round me rings the music of the spheres.” Creation’s beauty and intricacy shows us God’s creativity and love for us, and we must show our respect for that gift. I’ve heard some people confuse the idea of “the fallen world” (meaning we are sinners so our life in this world is separated from God) with the idea that the Earth is unimportant and can be used any old way, but to me that is so obviously wrong.
Oddly enough, my church’s stained glass windows also inspire me to appreciate the wonderful gift that the Episcopal liturgy calls, “this fragile Earth, our island home.” I love those words!