“The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers. He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they steal away and lie down in their dens.” Psalm 104:16-22
Devotional Thought For The Day
It feels strange to be back in the saddle after two busy and eventful weeks. We hosted 38 young people from the YMCA in Houston who worked hard and accomplished much for our flood victims who are still recovering. Last week we retreated for a “working” vacation in the nearby mountains, commuting to work when we had to. It is good that our text for today is about nature, about God’s wondrous creation. The mountains of Colorado have been “watered abundantly” this year, and it has been one of the coolest and wettest summers I can remember. I have often commented that the Lord does a much better job of watering than I can, so our yards and gardens are wonderful this year without much work. Other areas have had drought and fires, and we pray for all, but we are thankful not to face these dangers this summer.
The psalmist notes that there is wonderful diversity in nature, but that God has made provision for all things, birds, wild goats, badgers, and the beasts of the forest who creep about at night. He also wrote of the functional purposes of sun and moon, at least as we perceive their benefit to us. There is, of course, much more, too much goodness from God in His creation for anyone to ever learn about and keep track of all of it. We are truly blessed to have life from God, and to be able to live life in such a wonderful place. Yes, we still have to endure all of the problems that have resulted from the infection of sin, including aging and death, but all things considered the creation continues to bear abundant witness to the goodness of God.
Even more remarkable is the fact that God continues to work His goodness toward mankind in spite of our sin and rebellion against His ways and His will. He sent His Son, the glorious Lord Jesus, to make atonement for our sin, to take away our guilt and punishment. He continues to patiently call out to mankind to repent and to return to Him for cleansing, healing, and eternal life. He has established and continues to build up His church – not necessarily institutions and buildings, but the kingdom, His rule and reign in hearts and minds – through the witness, preaching, and teaching of His people. The goodness of creation bears witness to the goodness of God, and so His promises to restore all things make perfect sense, and we can hardly wait for the Last Day to come. If we consider that this fallen world is filled with goodness, it is hard to imagine what a completely perfected and renewed heaven and earth will be like!
We often grow weary and depressed at the difficulties and struggles we must endure. Even Christians struggle against depression and pessimism. The evil one can suck us into deep pits and darkness so that we no longer see the goodness of God and the positive direction we are headed. However, even a simple smile is an affront and assault on the devil, sure sign of his failure and his impending doom. It seems that he will do almost anything to wipe away any sign of joy, contentment, and happiness. So let us keep God’s goodness in mind, remembering all that He has done for us in Christ, and all that is coming in the near future. Let us continue in the peace and joy of Christ, with optimism and enthusiasm and eagerness to do His bidding. And do not let Satan drag you into a miserable temperament; “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thess. 5:9] This reality should constantly lift up our spirits and put the devil on the run.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, thanks and praise to You for the wonders of Your love. All that we need to live strong and triumphant lives You have provided for us. Keep us firm in faith as we pass through the many difficult and depressing things of earthly life. Keep us in joy and optimism so that our very lives serve as condemnation of the devil and all who have joined him, and bring praise and glory to You. Amen.