by Robert Fudge

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Put yourself in the place of David. As a young man, he had spent day after day and night after night in the open air with his sheep. He had spent much of this time in contemplation of his God. As he watched the sun rise each day and set in the evening, he had seen the glory of God. As he saw the moon and the many stars he saw the majesty and the wisdom of God. The fact that each night he could locate certain stars by their predictable position in the skies showed the intelligence of design in the universe. And this proclamation of God was universal, not just in the place where he was keeping the sheep.

Do you see God in the heavenly bodies? Do you see God in the trees, flowers, animals and all of nature around you? These are not God but these declare the glory of God. As we approach the fall of the year, remember that the changing of colors is a reminder of the beautiful glory of God. When you go to the ocean and see the powerful waves, experience a hurricane or a tornado (or even a lesser storm), remember that you are seeing the mighty power of God. When you see a gentle brook, or feel a soft breeze or see the stars twinkle on a quiet peaceful night, remember you are seeing the quiet majestic control of God.

Today we have the same stars, moon and sun with the same predictability that David saw. As time has gone by, we have been able to make many discoveries and each one declares with greater affirmation that there is a God who designed this universe and is still in control. Many reject this idea because it carries as a logical conclusion that we are accountable to Him. If we believe that He is creator and giver of life, that He is the intelligence behind our universe and He controls all that exists today, then who are we to question His plan for us? When I accept this concept, I either experience a fear beyond description because I am not in the right relationship with God or I have a peace beyond comprehension because I am His and He cares for me. David found rest, comfort, and solace in seeing this manifestation of God but also found strength and resolve in the assurance that God was there with him each moment. Like David, let’s each determine to not only see God, but to have our heart wholly set on serving Him. May God bless each of us today as we commit anew our lives to the only true, powerful, majestic and glorious God.