Whispers of 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 (NIV)
Point out the beautiful things around you right now. You may be outside at a park, in which case it would seem easy. The sky, clouds, and sun above you. Or maybe the grass, trees, and flowers in the distance. Maybe there is even a lake or a fountain nearby that catches the eye. You may not be so fortunate to be reading this on a park bench. Perhaps you’re just about to start your day in your office, and the idea of paper stacks, pens, and a computer screen isn’t really that awe-inspiring. Hopefully, you will be able to identify something that can spark joy. Maybe a favorite memento sitting on your desk, or a photo of loved ones. Take your time, and if you look expectantly and intently, beauty is all around you.
This is by design. In the beginning, when God created the world, we see Him say seven times that “it is good”. There is an innate beauty and goodness within creation. God’s fingerprints are ubiquitous throughout nature. Because of this, we can see His DNA in the fabric of our day-to-day lives. All it takes is a quick moment to pause and absorb it.
Romans 1:20 (NIV) reminds us that “…His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made….” With this in mind, we haven’t far to look to find God. He is as near to you as a sunset and a flower swaying in the wind. His divine nature is perceived during waves lapping at the shore. His strength found in a mountain. His gentleness seen in a dandelion. If God’s presence and glory can be felt and seen by all, why do so many people miss Him? Why do we who are close to Him doubt, or waiver?
One reason could be that we are looking for the most apparent and obvious sign, that we overlook the simplest and easiest things. We want so desperately to see God’s lightning fall and transform our lives, we miss the gentle breeze He provides. We pray for mountains to be moved and fire to fall so that we cannot praise Him for the pond that sustains us and the rain that gives life. The prophet Elijah had a mindset we can learn from.
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV)
How did Elijah not mistake God in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire? Those three things would be so loud that we would naturally assume God is moving in them. Especially if we were told He would show up! But Elijah knew that in waiting on the Lord, He would make himself known. That God uses subtleties and nuances just as well as booming miracles. God is not silent, nor has He forgotten us. His plan is to be seen. If only we were looking and listening in the right places!
God isn’t far away. His goodness has been imprinted in your very backyard. On top of the desk where you are currently working! Are you looking for God in the right places? Our prayer for you is that your eyes would open to Christ moving in your life right now. That the whispers of the Holy Spirit would be caught by your ears, and that His gentle whisper would be heard.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.