God of Nature and God of You
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4
As fall arrives, I’ve been spending more and more time outside, which always leads me to marvel at the majesty and kindness of God. The way the wind blows through the trees, the intentionality of rain cycles, the splendor of the Smoky Mountains, whatever I’m seeing often brings Psalm 8 to my mind.
It’s an amazing truth of our faith that the God who made the universe, the sun, the moon, and stars, made us.
The God who made the mountains and the beaches knows the very number of hairs on our heads.
The God who made the oceans and the mighty rivers, the God who makes rain fall to water the earth, knows every tear we’ve cried.
The God who paints the beauty of each sunset knows the thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams, fears and worries that float around in our heads.
The God of all the big and beautiful natural things in the world is intimately concerned about the small things in our human lives. He is both the God of the great things and God of the small things, and His glory and goodness shine through both.
When I think of all the beauty I see around me, my heart can’t help but echo David as he asks Who am I that you know and care about me? Who am I that You love me this much?
If you ever doubt whether you are seen, known, or loved, just take a step outside. Look around at the trees and the grass, look up at the stars in the sky, and remember that the God of the universe, the God who made this broken world so beautiful just because He can, loves you in all your brokenness and glory.
His creation points us back to His heart, and serves as such a beautiful reminder that we are loved and cared for, exactly as we are.