The Joy of...God's Creation!

I've just come home from a beautiful day at the beach with my kids...the first beach day of summer! The beauty of God's creation never ceases to amaze me; whether it be the gentle swells of the ocean rolling onto the sun bleached sand, the mesmerizing sight of a full moon, the cascading power of a mountain waterfall or even the beauty of a backyard garden filled with colorful birds and butterflies. God made this vast and varied earth for us to explore and enjoy as we reflect on his amazing handiwork and give him glory.

If one truly looks with a discerning eye at the complexity and splendor of the world around us, there is no denying the existence of a creator God. In fact, the Bible refers to this innate and undeniable understanding of one greater than ourselves in Romans 2:20. It says: " 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 men are without excuse." In other words, no one can see the awesome beauty of God's creation and not know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is a God and that he designed this amazing and intricate universe. And in Psalm 19:1 it says: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands". Even creation itself trumpets God's omnipotence and glory.

I have had some of my most reflective and meaningful times with the Lord when outdoors enjoying his creation in any number of  beautiful, peaceful settings. There have been times when something as simple as a walk around my neighborhood under a clear, unclouded, deep blue sky has given rise to tears of gratitude in my eyes. I often praise him for his creation and the ability to enjoy it.

What do I mean by "the ability to enjoy it"? Well, there are many who are so hard at work, either by choice or by necessity, that they do not have even a moment to pause and enjoy the beauty around them. There are many who live in crowded, treeless, big cities where "getting close to nature" takes enormous effort. And, there are those who are physically unable to venture outside or travel too far away to see some of the glorious sights in this great land. Those of us who can, are truly blessed.

Take time to go outside this week and look around you. Take a walk. Go for a bike ride. Work in the garden. How about a trip to the beach, the springs, the lake, or...your own backyard? Try to really see the artistic genius of our God. Meet with him...praise him...thank him.