Guidance from Creation

 

Your love, O Eternal One, towers high into the heavens. Even the skies are lower than Your faithfulness. Your justice is like the majestic mountains.
   Your judgments are as deep as the oceans, and yet in Your greatness,
    You, O Eternal, offer life for every person and animal.

Your strong love, O True God, is precious.

All people run for shelter under the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 36:5-7(The Voice)

My focus waned. Devotional books, a journal and the Bible on my lap faded from my mind as I contemplated the scene before me. 

            As the sky transitioned from black to pale blue, I stared at the changing design.  Stripes of white crisscrossed the eastern sky. In the south, strips of dark clouds variegated the azure canopy. Near the horizon across the lake, yellowish beams peeped between the trees. 

            The ever-changing view mesmerized me and distracted me from reading the Bible and finishing my devotional time. Then I realized experiencing and appreciating the front row seat to God’s creation was my worship. To sit, be quiet and be thankful. 

            Ducks quacked and swam around the serene lake. Tiny birds fluttered from tree to tree in the dimness of dawn. Spanish moss swayed from bare cypress trees. 

            A trio of large birds flew high above the forest. Birds chirped a greeting. A ball of light blazed through the woods onto the dark water. 

            While immersed in God’s creation around me, I escaped the pressures, pain and perplexity of our unsettled world. He provides food for the ducks, birds and fish. Plants receive needed nutrition, moisture and sunlight. Not only is He faithful in nature but also for us. 

            However, I noticed a few dead plants by the lake and in my flower beds. But tiny shoots grew at their feet. A legacy to the ones passing away brought hope. 

            Just as there are cycles in the plant and animal worlds, we also face seasons of life. Some are joyous and delightful. But at other times we face disappointment, discouragement and despair.  Even during those periods, God is faithful to stand by us, grasp us tightly when we hold Him by a tiny strand, and promises to never leave us. 

            Usually, my lessons come from reading the Bible but today, God guided me by observing His magnificent Creation. Thankfulness flooded me and a sense of wonder overtook me. 

            Find a spot outside to sit silently and observe. Be thankful. 

Creator God, I can’t thank you enough for all You have given us and continue to do. Even in the hardest times, we can depend on your peace, strength and comfort.

Amen