Sunday, August 22: The glory of God in nature

One of the comments we make to workaholics is, “Stop and smell the roses.” At a glance, everyone notices the physical beauty of the rose, though many different varieties of God’s majestic flower have aromas that are more surprising than even the physical beauty. We can’t appreciate that aspect without getting up close and personal with the rose, which takes time, energy and proximity. God has intricately woven His creative hand through everything upon the earth, and with my annual journey to Mt. Whitney at hand, I am once again looking forward to getting away from shopping centers and Starbucks!


For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 1:20-22


We can see God in nature! And yes, we can even smell God in nature. Consider the flowers, to paraphrase what Jesus said. Every single flower has its own perfume! How amazing that just as humans have different fingerprints, flowers each have their own smell. God’s handiwork is so amazing that it is obvious how awkward and clumsy man’s creative hand is in comparison. Part of the Mt. Whitney trail is through a lush forest. On Thursday, we will pass through that area in the dark. Just as a blind man’s senses of smell and hearing are heightened, it is wonderful to smell the forest when walking through in darkness of night!

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 "If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
Luke 12:27-28


Taking the time to smell the roses also can apply to the rest of God’s creations. Do we take the time to get up close and personal with the people God has dropped into our lives? There are no coincidences, as God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. Consequently, He places people in our paths for a reason. It doesn’t matter if they are Christians or atheists, God has a design behind it all. Sometimes, we have a tendency to portray joyfulness while at church, when in reality, there are some real difficulties facing us. On a similar note, rather than just smile at a church acquaintance, take the time to discover where they are hurting. Sometimes a simple hug can do wonders, but most of the time, your impact on their lives will take time, energy and proximity. Smell the roses, and don’t forget, we are going to a city where the roses never fade!

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
Psalm 19:1-2