BLESSINGS OF GOD IN NATURE

“Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the TREES of the woods will REJOICE before the Lord” – Psalm 96:12

In the flurry of modern life, it’s easy to miss out on the divine displays of the Beauty and BLESSINGS of NATURE: “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the TREES of the woods will REJOICE before the Lord” (Psa.96: 11-12). Nature reflects and displays God’s Beauty – His Holiness and Glory – in creation. Although, all of nature came under the same curse of sin that affected humanity, even in its injured state, there are still blessings in nature for humanity!

Through the wonders of nature, God is able to teach us, speak to us, and provide for us. Therefore, we should be reminded to appreciate, understand, and protect Nature, as much as practicable: “But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” (Job 12: 7-10).

God speaks through Nature! Are we listening and responding rightly? “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun” (Psa.19: 1-4). God’s invisible, eternal attributes become visible in nature. The proper response is to honour and give Him thanks (Rom.1:21).

Job’s friend, Elihu, proclaimed in marvellous language the glory of God in nature. His power that surpasses human understanding is mysteriously displayed in nature: “For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man. Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, the thunder from His canopy? Look, He scatters His light upon it, and covers the depths of the sea” (Job 36: 27-30). God scatters His lightning about Him, bathing the depths of the sea. He uses His powers in nature for both blessing and judgment.

Almighty God sends nature on errand to display His Glory: The magnificent manifestations of terrifying storms, lightnings crackling and splitting the sky, and roaring thunders (Job 37: 2-4). When God’s Voice reverberates in nature, He holds nothing back. God sends the snow and the rain, tornadoes, whirlwinds, and frost; and controls the cycles of the weather (Job 37: 9-11). Verse 12 says, “And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth.”

The beauty of nature is God's gift to humanity. Nature's beauty offers peace and comfort to the tired or sad. Nature also inspires the creation of artistic beauty like in painting and poetry. We’re surrounded by this beauty: Lush green fields, rolling hills and mountains, flowing streams and welling springs, and stars twinkling like diamonds in the night sky. The quiet and sometimes frightening ocean seems to reflect every colour of human life. Even the tiniest dew drops on the grass reflect nature’s beauty. Every creature – crawling or flying – is part of the beauty and blessing of nature. None is useless or valueless.

Nature holds deep secrets of love, peace and communion with God: “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isa.55:12). We only need eyes to appreciate God’s beauties in nature, and hearts to not abuse nature, but to cherish, enjoy, and sustain God’s bounties and blessings in it!