June 11, 2022

God is love. 1 John 4:8

Oh, the many ways He places His love on display! The glories of creation, as far as the eye can see, speak of His desire to be known to us. All of our senses are awakened by the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the works of His hands. One whose heart is open cannot help but be impressed by the intricate and varied beauties to be found, even in our broken world. The faces of children, their dancing eyes, and squeals of joy all shout of the glory of God.

Within the works of His hands are bound up priceless lessons. These lessons are directly linked to His words of truth, that they might be easily recalled to mind even on the most hectic of days. While there are many talented poets who have much to say about beauty and nature, it is the devoted follower of Christ who has the highest appreciation, as he recognizes the divine order in His handiwork and perceives His love. Looking about, such a one cannot help but view them as expressions of God’s love to mankind.

It is obvious that God is a lover of beauty. But above all that is visibly beautiful, His greatest delight is in beauty of character, yet this is the one thing over which He has given us total control. Our own choices—whether or not to heed His counsel—will determine our fitness for heavenly citizenship. The humble one whose heart is submitted to His counsel will find a refreshing fountain of guidance and unending encouragement in His written word.

If we will truly pause to listen, God’s created works can teach lessons to expand our faith to greater dimensions of trust and obedience. If we would simply—by faith—take Him at His word, every undue anxiety would be quickly dissolved. Disappointments that come our way, whether large or small, would serve to point to the unspoiled, never-ending glory that is to come. Jesus, identified as the Creator*, also speaks to us through the workings of providence, in our circumstances and surroundings, and through the influence of His Spirit upon our hearts. The greatest delight to come will be to see Him face to face, never to be separated from Him again!

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

HAPPY SABBATH, BELOVED!

*John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2