Good Morning,
Here is the study our youth will be experiencing today in the serene beauty of Alpine Arizona. I invite you to join in our study and see the beauty of God.
Seeing God’s Beauty
Some people do not see what is all around them. Though they may say, “Oh it’s a sunset… oh it’s a tree… Oh it’s a mountain”. They fail to see nature pointing to the mighty hand of God. If you want to experience God’s beauty and handiwork, I encourage you to seek God’s fingerprint in nature and become more introspective of spiritual truths. Those who are looking God’s beauty to be revealed take the time to experience and observe by sight, sound, smell, and taste while looking for God. For people who seek to experience God, life moves beyond a scientific entity to something far more complex and beautiful. It becomes testimony of God’s Glory!
I love this quote from Thoreau. “AFTER A STILL winter night I awoke with the impression that some question had been put to me, which I had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as what — how — when — where? But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward! Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. “O Prince, our eyes contemplate with admiration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and varied spectacle of this universe. The night veils without doubt a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth even into the plains of the ether”—Thoreau, from Walden: The Pond in Winter
Nature is God’s handiwork, it doesn’t ask you to accept it, it merely testifies. Those who are wise will listen to its testimony and see the finger of God.
“To the choirmaster: A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:ESV)
Often we see but do not see, we hear but do not hear, we receive but do not perceive, because we are not looking for God.
I believe we should always look for God. Jesus said if you seek, you will find, if you ask you will receive, if you knock the door will be opened.
- This means we are to inquire (search for answers and the ancient path of wisdom which has been lost due to business)
- This means we are to wait (not everyone is blown away by the same sunset… look longer, harder, consider all the things nature is saying about order, peace, the creator. Use God’s written word to highlight these truths.)
- Be a student of God for the duration of your life. He will reveal his majesty and glory and transform the way you look at this world.
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:1–10, ESV)
Today as I am out with our youth, will you pray that God will reveal himself through his handiwork? Ultimately, we become his handiwork as He transforms us from one degree of glory to another.
