GLIMPSES OF GOD

Remember when SurroundSound helped us enjoy good music more fully? The modern sound systems don’t begin to compare to the old, scratchy LP records we used to play. Better yet is God’s sound system which allows us to take in every speck of noise, from the croak of a bullfrog in the back yard to the whisper of a falling leaf. God not only allows us to hear His wonders, but to use all our senses in enjoyment of His creation. All we have to do is open our senses to receive His glorious works.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

We See Glimpses of God all around Us

Once I walked through the Gem Room of a large museum. Although I’m not usually impressed by jewels, I was stunned by the beauty and brilliance of the precious stones on exhibit. Their light dazzled the eye; their perfection awed the audience.

I am always greatly impressed by the beauty in nature. When hiking through an autumn forest, I’m astounded by the variety of colored leaves. As sweet-smelling poplar leaves fall like silent coins, they collect in brilliant piles among the fallen pine needles. When tamaracks change hue in early winter, their feathery, golden leaves contrast brilliantly against a background of pure, white snow. I’ve been awe-struck by a field of swamp shrubs festooned in enormous spider webs. They sparkled like diamonds from the sun’s rays as droplets of dew clung to the gossamer strands. I’ve crouched to study the intricate patterns of green moss on a rock. The shapes of trees never cease to amaze me.

God has blessed us with abundant beauty in His creation to enjoy. Every facet of nature, whether seen in flora, fauna, or people we know, gives us a glimpse of His characteristics. We see His love in a mother’s smile. His peace is evident on the face of a dying man who loves Him. His goodness is embodied in the taste of a juicy peach, His gentleness in the loving touch of a mother’s hand on her child.

When Job, the Old Testament patriarch, suffered the loss of everything he owned, he complained and questioned God. Who wouldn’t? But the Lord challenged him with reminders of His sovereignty—reminders for us, too.

“Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the belt of Orion? … Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? … Who provides food for the raven when its young ones cry to God? … Does the eagle mount up at your command, and make its nest on high? …Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His?” (Job 38-40, selected portions)

I would suggest all of us read chapters 38 through 41 of the Book of Job whenever we forget about God’s greatness and love in our surroundings or whenever we doubt His creative ability. While looking for His majesty in the little things around us, not only will we find it, we will be blessed by it with peace joy unspeakable.

Lord, we are in awe of Your power and majesty. Help us remember to search for glimpses of You in everything and everyone around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.