Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!
Proverbs 30:4
Imagine this scene: you enter the heavenly courtroom and begin to ask questions. The first witness is the wind. You inquire, “Mr. Wind, who gathers you in the hollow of His hand?” And the second witness is the water. You ask, “Mr. Waters, who wraps you in His cloak?” And then the third witness: “Mrs. Earth, who established your domain?” Each answer is the same; it was God. God gives us multiple clues of His existence, both through creation and in His Word. This proverb is a series of questions because the author wants us to think about the strong hand behind the elements we observe.
Yes, God has given nature a practical purpose. The flowers of the field give pollen to bees and bring oxygen into the air (photosynthesis is no accident). But God also displays His creativity through the incredible variety, colors, and beauty of the same flowers. Like these flowers, nature is actively declaring the goodness and glory of God. It is an extension of His grace to us in a tangible way. When you spend time outside gardening, exercising, or traveling and you have that sense that God is with you and communicating through nature- don’t ignore it. It’s been my experience that some of the closest fellowship with God can happen while resting in awe underneath the sky or close to the ocean He created.
Application:
Romans 1:20 tells us that nature communicates two things very clearly: 1) God is real and 2) God is powerful. And because these truths are clearly seen in nature, humankind is now without excuse. We must acknowledge God as Creator. Colossians 1:16 tells us that all things were created by Jesus: in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible. The ocean, the sunset, the mountains, the desert, the countless stars in the sky all remind us that we are to savor their beauty, and at the same time worship the One who made them.
Because He is truly gracious, God has revealed Himself in many ways: through the prophets, through the Bible, through our conscience, and through miracles. One of the most spectacular ways He has made Himself known is through nature. He wants us to see His creation so that we will be in awe of Him! If you are studying His creation or just walking along the beach, take time to appreciate what God has made for His glory. Jesus loved to spend time alone with the Father in the natural settings that He made (Mark 1:35, Luke 22:39, John 8:1).
Questions:
1) Why does God say that we are without excuse after seeing nature?
2) When can you spend some time alone with God in His creation?
3) Which part of creation most inspires you to be in awe of God?
4) Who can you share some of these verses with this week?
Deeper Study:
Psalm 19. The sky proclaims the glory of God day after day. Job 39:1-30. God describes His sustaining power in nature.
Genesis 1:1-2:3. This world was designed by God, and it displays His unparalleled creativity.
Exodus 14:10-22. God’s power over natural forces exemplifies His sovereignty.
Prayer:
All powerful God, You reign over the earth. Thank You for the gift of Your creation. I’m fed, comforted, amazed, and humbled by the work of Your hand. I see Your power and acknowledge Your presence as I worship You. You are worthy of my devotion and honor. Help me to find You as I lift up my eyes to You today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Excerpt republished with permission from Rooted in Grace by Jesse Bradley c. 2012
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