Monday, June 1, 2015

Creation Declares God's Glory


 

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!

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