God Speaking

“O, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

(Psalm 8: 1)

Summer has suddenly made its presence felt in B.C. Canada, where we live, and the relief of seeing sunlight, feeling those pleasant, light breezes and warm temperatures, gives one the urge to step outside man-made structures and revel in the outdoors! This week end, thanks to a son-in law and our daughter, we could do just that, as we went away on a trip with them.  Our route took us through breathtaking vistas which made me exclaim in wonder at the Creator’s work in moulding the earth and every turn of the road would bring yet another example of his glorious creativity.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.” (Psalm 108: 5)

We live on the coast, but our trip took us through fertile valleys, over steep mountains, some still wearing their caps of snow, through beautiful little glens filled with wild flowers until we finally reached the hot, dry grape growing area, our destination.

While we were travelling, I began to realise how easy it is to forget the hand behind every living creature, every living plant and tree, every craggy outcrop of jagged rock. We get lulled into thinking that man is in control of nature and our media is filled with stories of breakthroughs that mankind is making in new fertilizers, wonder drugs, new methods of beating the seasons, so we can eat strawberries all year round. This constant focusing on man’s achievements, distances us from acknowledging the one who is the Creator and sustainer of all living creatures.  We lose a little of the awe of who he is and I especially felt on this trip that I had not spent enough time remembering this in my daily walk.

After we returned home I went back to reading Job’s story, where God reminds Job of whose hand created the amazing earth he allows us to live in;

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4 – 7)

The whole weekend away I tried constantly to be aware of the Master’s hand on everything I saw and as we were staying by a beautiful lake I also saw his power as one evening a strong wind came up and the calm waters of the lake turned into choppy waves. I was surprised by the effect concentrating on God’s creation had on me. A feeling of serenity enveloped me. A feeling of tranquility ensured. A letting go of anxiety. A chid like feeling that I did not have to worry, the Heavenly Father was in control.

Psalm 148 is a psalm of praise coming from the very earth he created and one worth reading when we his created ones also want to praise him.

“Praise him sun, and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.”  (Psalm 148: 3 – 4)