On these hot August days, “scattered thunderstorms” often pop up in the afternoon, and they can bring damaging winds and cause flash flooding. And yet, by contrast, there are many days with clear skies and calm weather. We look at the forecast and wonder: will tomorrow bring dark clouds or bright sunshine?
And what is God saying through it all? Could it be that the Master Painter uses his palate of light and wind and water, constantly creating impressions of various facets of his character? “For [God’s] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20). The Lord uses his artistic flair to reveal himself through nature.
So look up: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Effects have causes—and creation has a glorious Creator. Those constellations didn’t just appear out of nowhere! As the hymn says, “This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—His hand the wonders wrought.” Nature has God’s fingerprints all over it, and it’s breathtaking! Do you see it?
In these restless times (with all our angst over politics, AI, the economy—plus possible health issues and relational struggles, etc.) as life comes at us every second with a frantic urgency from one voice after another, it’s therapeutic to pause and look up, and let God reorient our souls toward reality—toward himself.
For which I heartily recommend getting outside, making time to be still, and letting the Lord of the Universe grab your attention afresh! A favorite for me is sunset watching—actually seeing our flaming orange star dip below the horizon while rays of its light illuminate the clouds in the most stunning ways. So, again, I urge you to step away from the frenzy and take it in—and “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
