My heart leapt the first time I ran across a quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning because it encapsulated what I had felt for years, but just couldn’t express. So I now, shamelessly, use her quote to explain the feelings I have when I observe God’s creation.
In her poem, Aurora Leigh, she wrote:
“Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”
Whether it be wildlife, flowers, streams, or mountains, I am constantly overwhelmed by God’s artistry and the intricacy of everything He has created. There is no more sincerely worshipful moment for me than when I am surrounded by nature. Fluffy little animals scurry around. Flowers place pops of color everywhere. Clouds dot the sky while broad sweeps of a sunset complete the painting. And I see God’s handiwork in all of this. The spotlight is on Him, not merely on creation or any created thing.
The scientific explanations behind these phenomena do not lessen my awe. Instead, they remind me that God created science. And that science is just more proof of His majesty and power. The vastness of the galaxies and the most minuscule components of DNA all point to Him.
We are reminded in Colossians 1:16: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
Further, Revelation 4:11 states, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Someone once explained to me that giving glory simply means to shine a spotlight on someone or something. My hope for this blog is that hearts will be amazed and filled with wonder as we put the spotlight on God. And no one else.
“My story” is not greatly different from most Christian women I know. I have led prayer groups and Bible Studies. I taught Sunday School and volunteered many hours at the Christian schools my kids attended. I have worked with outreaches for the homeless, foster kids and senior citizens.
But all of these actions pale so greatly in comparison to what God has done for me. His mercy and grace are immeasurable. So my story becomes one of undeserved redemption. My identity isn’t defined by what I’ve done, but rather what I have received. I am simply someone that God has loved every day, every moment, of her life.
Psalm 68:5 says, “A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy place." And that verse has been proven to be true countless times in my life.
Both of my parents died while I was in my early twenties. I felt desperately alone, but God carried me through.
Then, while in my forties, my husband died unexpectedly, leaving me a widow with two children. Unbelievably, his death occurred on the day of my daughter’s seventh birthday, creating even another layer of grief to process. During those years of single-parenting, it became obvious that it was God who stood by my side, giving me help at every turn, and providing hope I could not muster on my own.
So, I humbly acknowledge that, today, God is still great and unfathomably good. My words could never remotely explain His greatness and infinite capacity of His love. But, hopefully, my words can lend encouragement to the right person at the right time.
Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!