“How
many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all.”1
Life
often feels frenzied and hectic. We hurry from one appointment to the next,
returning phone calls, texts, and emails: checking off our seemingly endless
to-do lists. Sometimes we only sit and rest out of sheer exhaustion.
This
past summer, my family had the privilege of vacationing in South Lake Tahoe, up
in the Northeastern mountains of California. We hiked hidden trails that led to
beautiful waterfalls and exceptional scenic views that, quite literally, left
me breathless. As we stopped to rest it was impossible to not stand in awe at
God’s perfect creation; something not easily appreciated when we are caught up
in the busyness of life. To be out in nature with no phone signal and no
pressing agenda, has no comparison. In the undistracted stillness it was easy
to notice nature as it was intended to be appreciated. The sound of a rushing
waterfall in the distance, the buzz of a bee in a nearby flower and the call of
a bird to its flock. The sky was a brilliant blue and the horizon seemed endless.
God created all of this for you and me to enjoy, unaltered.
When
we slow down enough to literally stop and smell the roses and take in all the
wondrous sights and sounds of our Lord’s creation, it is impossible to not be
moved to worship in gratitude to the God of all Creation. In the midst of our
daily rush, a quiet moment can remind us of God’s detailed creativity. We are
surrounded by evidence of His power and tenderness. I encourage you to read the
entirety of Psalm 104, where the author shares with great detail the glory of
God’s majestic Creation.
Suggested
Prayer: Lord my God, you are
very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty (Ps. 104:1) and my heart
can only sing my gratitude:
Oh Lord, My God
When I, in
awesome wonder,
Consider all
the worlds Thy hands have made.
I see the stars;
I hear the rolling thunder.
Thy power
throughout the universe displayed!
Then sings my
soul, my Savior God, to Thee:
How Great Thou
Art! How Great Thou Art!
Then sings my
soul, my Savior God, to Thee:
How Great Thou
Art! How Great Thou Art!2
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Psalm 104:24 (NIV).
Hymn,
“How Great Thou Art” based on the original song, “O Store Gud” by Carl Boberg,
1885
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.