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I was recently at a conference where they referenced the universe as the “first book of scripture” and then commented: “it is always open.” At first I was taken aback; but then I realized that God wrote creation into being with His very own breath, the Son and the Spirit actively participating in all that was going on (Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16),
A couple of weeks later, I sat outside to have my quiet time. The cool breeze blew across my face as I read the words of Psalm 100:1-2 (CSF*) aloud:
All the earth cries out with joy to you,
Serving you with gladness;
coming before you, singing for joy.
The psalm seemed to be alive, not just words on the written page. I listened to the birds singing joyfully, and saw the tree branches reaching upward to the sky as if to say, "I'm serving you Lord, doing what you created me to do—providing shade and shelter and food." The magnolia trees and gardenia bushes were serving joyfully as well, blossoms opened wide shining brightly in the sun. The fragrance of their blooms hovered, ready to delight all who came into their presence.
Romans 1:20 (NET) says that God's invisible attributes—"His eternal power and divine nature”—have been clearly displayed for us through what He has created. Verse 21 underscores that we are to glorify Him and give Him thanks, not just for what He has created but for who He is.
I see a flower and see His tenderness. I see a mountain and I think of His majesty and strength. I see the variety in nature and marvel at His creativity. I remember that my carbon dioxide is used by the trees, and their oxygen is what I breath in, and am astounded by God's wisdom. The sunrise reminds me God is faithful. As the sun sets in the west with brilliant shades of pink and orange, I see God's beauty. Lightning splits the sky during a summer storm and I remember that God is holy and to be feared!
When Job sought to understand why his suffering continued even though he had done nothing to deserve it, God answered him by pointing to His creation and the wisdom He has that is far beyond our understanding. He not only formed the sea but set limits for it saying: “‘To here you may come and no farther, here your proud waves will be confined’" (Job 38:11, NET). Drawing attention to His handiwork, God asked Job question after rhetorical question for which each answer was obviously "No". He showed Job how vast His power and majesty were and that He was present everywhere: commanding the morning…walking about in the recesses of the depths of the sea…leading out the constellations in their seasons…sending lightning bolts…watching wild deer give birth…creating each animal with its own unique beauty, strength, and purpose (Job 38-41). All this caused Job to say, "I put my hand over my mouth to silence myself. …I despise myself, and I repent" (Job 40:4; 42:6, NET). Job bowed in humility and worshiped before God after being reminded of God’s greatness.
Psalm 19:1-4 (NET) says:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the sky displays his handiwork.
Day after day it speaks out;
night after night it reveals his greatness.
There is no actual speech or word,
nor is its voice literally heard.
Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth;
its words carry to the distant horizon.
I went out one morning with the dog while the sky was still dark. I looked up into the darkness and what I saw took my breath away.
I had been meditating on Zephaniah 3:17 for several weeks: "The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a mighty warrior who can save. He takes great delight in you; he will quiet you with his love, he shouts for joy over you with loud singing" (My amplified translation of the NET).
What I saw was the constellation Orion, low in the Eastern sky. There he was with his hands held high, his legs spread wide, and his belt shining brightly, proclaiming God's truth loudly: "Here I am in your midst—mighty to save. I take great delight in you. I rejoice over you with loud singing! You are mine!" All I could do at that moment was to receive God’s love and let the truth of His words wash over me. Each morning after that I went outside with an eagerness in my heart to see Him, and to spread my arms and legs wide and repeat the verse aloud to remind myself I was safe and loved.
Creation is God's first testament sent to tell us and remind us of His great power, His majesty, and His never-ending love. Go for a long walk, or lie underneath the night stars and remember who He is. Worship Him. You might even use the rest of Psalm 100 as your prayer of worship:
You, Creator of all, are God.
You made us; we belong to you.
we are your people, the sheep of your flock.
We go within your gates, giving thanks,
entering your courts with songs of praise.
We give thanks to you and bless your name.
Indeed, how good you are, O God,
eternal your merciful love.
You are faithful from age to age.
Amen.
*CSF translation: Community of St. Francis Office Book
Kim Prothro
Kim fell in love with Jesus and studying God's word in the eighth grade. That eventually led to a dream of attending seminary which she did after her children were grown. She graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2013 with a Masters in Theology and was part of the original group of women who founded Womenary in 2008. She has been a past professor for Womenary and is currently the Director of Soul Care at Living Well Holistic Counseling and Wellness Center. Kim can be contacted at kim.prothro@gmail.com. 
