One of the most amazing things about living in Indiana is the spectacular sunsets that I get to experience. The Lord is so good to paint the canvas of the sky with incredible colors. I am blessed with sight to stand in the field and see these and capture these moments with my camera. So often I stand there, and all is quiet, and I watch the slowly descending sun, the light playing through the clouds, the colors shifting and beams of light glinting off the snow or the water… and it is in those moments that I see just a glimpse of the beauty of God through His creation. Creation itself sings His glory!
Psalm 19 (The Message) says it like this: “1 God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. 2 Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. 3 Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, 4 But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. God makes a huge dome for the sun – a superdome! 5 The morning sun’s a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape. 6That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith. 7 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. 8 The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. 9 God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. 10 God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries. 11 There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. 12 Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?13 Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. 14 These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.”
So today I celebrate the glory of God and witness his majesty as testified by the beauty of the skies!
Jeff and I chose Psalm 19 to be read at our wedding (almost 24 years ago!). I have always loved the beauty and honesty of the Psalms. Brian Ethridge read it. I too appreciate God’s artistry and every day on my drive to work.