The Majesty of Creation Glorifies God
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The majesty of creation
Many people say they feel closer to God when they're outside in a beautiful natural setting. The panorama of a majestic valley from a mountain top is awe-inspiring for sure. I’ve spent many sunsets gazing across the ocean as the sun disappears beyond the horizon.
The earth's nickname is Mother Earth and today there's renewed concern for the earth's environment. This reminds me of a similar concern in the late '60s.
When I was a young man finding my way through life, environmentalism and ecology was a strong focus. But in all of the concern about earth many people, perhaps most at that time (the late '60s), couldn't see past the natural world—creation itself.
Indeed, we ought to respect our earthly home. It's just good stewardship and wisdom to do so.
But to really appreciate the earth's beauty, we need to see how the created natural world reflects and honors its Creator.
Scripture
For the choir director; on the gittith; a psalm by David.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!
Your glory is sung above the heavens.
From the mouths of little children and infants, you have built a fortress against your opponents to silence the enemy and the avenger. [vss 1-2]
When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have set in place—
what is a mortal that you remember him or the Son of Man that you take care of him?
You have made him a little lower than yourself.
You have crowned him with glory and honor. [vss 3-5]
You have made him rule what your hands created.
You have put everything under his control:
all the sheep and cattle, the wild animals, the birds, the fish, whatever swims in the currents of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! [vss 6-9]
Reflections and Insights
The beauty and majesty of creation—its immensity and complexity—declares the majesty of God, its Creator.
Awareness of God’s majesty in creation is the heart of this worshipful psalm.
When God created humanity, the created world was subject to them (Gen 1:26-31). They were stewards of God’s creation (in the Garden of Eden) and given dominion over it.
But when they rebelled against God, everything was turned upside down. This was true until the Lord Jesus came to bring reconciliation and restoration (Gen3:15-24).
God became man (Jesus) so everything could be turned right side up.
When we feel closer to God in natural settings, it’s because we see God’s glory reflected through His creation. Even those who don’t realize or acknowledge this.
Our awe and wonder of creation ought to stir us to worship the Creator Himself.
The question is—do we stop to reflect on this? Do we marvel at "purple mountains majesties," or "amber waves of grain," or the "shining sea"?*
And when we marvel at all this created beauty, do we think of God?
Worshipping the Creator of the natural world enables us to transcend the mundane activities of life and all we possess. It ought to humble and remind us of God's greatness, stirring our hearts, with the angels and children, to sing of God's majesty.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!
*(Words in quotes are lyrics from "America the Beautiful," by Katharine Lee Bates)
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
What do you see expressed in the opening and ending lines of this worshipful psalm?
Why do you think the singing of angels and children is likened to the strength of a fortress that silences God's enemies?
How does the psalmist reflect on the smallness and importance of humanity in comparison to all of God's creation?
How does the way this psalm begins and ends express the sense of awe of true worship?
How often do you lift your head up from the drudgery of everyday life to see God's majesty?
Have you ever realized your smallness in contrast to the greatness of the natural world and the universe?
Are you able to keep the busyness and fullness of everyday life in perspective through worship?
Do you take some time each day to reflect on God's goodness and express this to Him?
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