Be Encouraged By God's Creation

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 

  

  At a recent visit to a nearby Nature Center I got a close up view of some of God’s creatures. The beauty and the detail worked into birds, mammals, and reptiles is amazing. I have wondered, for those who do not believe God exists, how do they explain the beauty of so many creatures? To merely survive, such symmetry, color, amazing shapes, intelligent design, and beauty would not be necessary in a random creation process. 

  Those of us with chronic health issues need to connect with God’s creation. It is very important. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, pain, and other issues can keep us from spending as much time as we might like in the Bible. Yet perhaps a window bird feeder, a nature series on television, even a short walk around the block can bring us into contact with God, the Creator of everything. 

  I believe I’m not alone in finding that time with God’s creation and creatures is a balm for the soul. For some people, perhaps a dog, or cat, or even a fish aquarium has a positive effect on their life. The pleasure of looking at a flowering tree, a sunset, stars in the night sky, such things are all around us If we take time to “smell the roses” we may find we are better for it. These things can perk up our soul. 

  One morning, several years ago, I was in a very depressed mood. I was sitting at the kitchen table and happened to look out the window. On a branch in my neighbor’s tree was a white dove. My heart nearly stopped when I saw that dove. For that moment in time I felt my spirit lift within me. Perhaps it was a strange coincidence, but I felt that God had sent that dove to me just like he sent the dove to encourage Noah on the ark. 

  There is life out there, there is beauty, there is hope. 

  I encourage you to let God’s creation have a bigger place in your life. Perhaps taking a walk and allowing time to look at the birds and trees will bless you. Maybe you are not very mobile and cannot get outside much, you could invest in a bird feeder, or several of them to bring God’s creation near your window. Allowing a pet into your life could bring a blessing. When flipping through TV channels you might stop long enough to watch a few nature programs and consider how amazing the Creator is and all He has made. 

  God is good, and you can see His goodness in His creation. God’s answer to Job in Job’s suffering was to look around at the creation and be humbled, consider how great our God is, what He has done, and what He can do. Consider what God can do in your life in spite of your affliction and suffering. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, Creator of all things, thank You for the beauty of Your creation. Help us to remember what You have done, and what You can do in our lives. Amen.