©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Earth (or a derivative form) is mentioned 729 times in the Bible, more than love (686); good (610); and life (565).
The word water? You’ll find it in Scripture 617 times. Fire (or a derivative) shows up 364.
Earth Day began April 22, 1970. The next month, President Nixon proposed the Environmental Protection Agency and the EPA began operation on December 2 that year. Since its strong start in America, Earth Day has become widely talked about and taught in more than 190 countries.
As we consider the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, we think of Michelangelo. In thinking of The Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh comes to mind. Why wouldn’t we celebrate The Creator as we look at His creation?
When we understand nature not as something that just appeared but as a gift from God, it changes our perspective, and opens our eyes to the power and the plan behind it. Throughout the earth we see God’s creativity, His ability to weave the tiniest details into the tapestry of life.
As the myriad of trees leaf their calming green canopies, and the vast array of assorted flowers burst into vibrant colors, lessons in rejuvenation, rebirth and even diversity unfold. Stream waters flow, ocean waters roll, and life under the water flourishes. And, in the patterns of everything from spider webs to sunflower heads, from succulents to snowflakes, and tree branches to arteries, the wow factor of God’s design is evident!
Let’s pause and appreciate God as Creator as we contemplate these nine verses:
GOD’S ABILITY
- For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20
- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
GOD’S CREATIVITY
- And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:20-21
- So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28
GOD’S EXCLUSIVITY
- You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehemiah 9:6
- And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
- Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11
GOD’S CONNECTIVITY
- The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17
- The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:5
What are some of the feelings you experience being outdoors (in a garden, in a park, on the beach, in the mountains, on a trail, etc.)?
What are three ways you can better be a wise steward of God’s creation this year?
What five qualities of God do you see in the verses above?
What makes you certain that God is the Creator? Why are you confident that He is still present and working in the world today?
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)