While writing Cries
of Innocence, I researched scriptural references on creation. I wanted to
incorporate the symbiotic relationship between creation and humans, expressly in
how creation often mimics our emotions. I’ve always been sensitive to how
creation seemingly shares my emotions, causes emotions, and complements
emotions.
“The
heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
Day
after day they pour forth speech;
night
after night they display knowledge.
There
is no speech or language where
their
voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3
In the book, the characters are constantly in
contact with nature, heaven, and earth. Gray clouds, lightning, dirt, flowers, and
temperature are all reflected in situations the characters are seeing, feeling,
and hearing. Their relationship is often defined by creation’s temperament.
Sometimes it is the stabilizing force needed to move forward or be cautious.
There’s no doubt we are intended to have a relationship with God’s creation
since we are part of it.
What a beautiful thing to understand that we bear
witness to the glory of God through His creation.
“For
ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky,
Through
everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible
qualities—His
eternal power and divine nature. So they have no
excuse
for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20
There is nothing more soothing than to be outside, to
close your eyes and feel the presence of God . . . in the wind or the pounding
of the waves or in the floral tones of blooming Gardenias.
When we were at the Grand Canyon and Sedona, I was
deeply affected by the beauty and energy in the valleys, ragged cliffs, bluffs,
and vortexes. I talked to many locals who were eager to share stories about the
restoring properties in the area. I spent hours researching these aspects of
nature. We’ve been back many times, and I feel the manifest presence of God
stronger each time I go.
There is nothing more magnificent than the beauty of
our Mighty Creator! In my heart, I feel it is his love letter to humanity. The
whisper of the wind, the gray-purple froth of morning clouds, and the
turbulence of a raging storm often mimic our emotions. Nature’s qualities can
be found in human nature.
Anger seas,
storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes
Loneliness gray
skies, expanse of universe, horizon
Loss darkness,
night, thunder, lightning
Healing rain,
new green sprig of grass, blue skies, freshness of morning, light, sun
Brokenness/hurt erosion
from waves, trickle of water etching side of mountain, hurricane
Some of my favorite songs we sing in church declare
God’s glory, His mighty Being, showcased in all of creation.
“At Your name, the mountains shake and crumble. At
Your name, the oceans roar and tumble. At Your name, angels will bow, the earth
will rejoice, and Your people cry out.” (“At Your Name” by Phil Wickham)
“Precious are You, Lord, Most High above the Earth.
I want to sing Your praises, until the day has ended. How can I not worship
You? You’re the wind in my wings, the strength I cling to. You hold the stars
in Your hand. Creation cries out at Your command.” (“All Creation Cries” by Joe
Henschel)
I hope you will enjoy the interaction between the
characters in the book and God’s creation. David sang, “Praise the Lord from
the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail,
snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding, you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and
flying birds.” (Psalm 148:7-10)
Creation is alive, twisting and turning, tilting and
energizing. It’s the breath of God stimulating us to fully enjoy His anthem to
life.
God bless you!
No comments:
Post a Comment