ODJ: A Delightful Corner

April 2, 2018 

READ: Psalm 19:1-6 

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship (v.1).

God means us to delight in his world. . . . Just observe. And remember. And compare. And be always looking to God with thankfulness and worship for having placed you in such a delightful corner of the universe as the planet Earth.” These were the last words Paul Brand’s father wrote to him before his death. They had a profound effect on Paul’s life. He eventually became a missionary doctor in India and was well known for his pioneering work in the treatment of leprosy. He never forgot his father’s urging to enjoy and delight in God’s creation.

Just like Brand’s father, King David invites us to step into our amazing world and view it with a new lens. In Psalm 19, he beautifully describes how God’s creation is a magnificent witness of His glory, power and might. David directs our eyes to the heavens and inspires us to gaze into the splendour of creation day and night. The word translated as “proclaim” in verse 1 literally means recount. David is saying that the sky goes beyond just proclaiming God’s glory. It actually narrates brilliant details about Him. God and His ways are revealed through nature for “day after day [it] continue[s] to speak; night after night [it] makes him known” (v.2).

How are we to respond to such an incredible display of splendour and glory? If we took our cue from the sun, we could burst “forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding” or rejoice “like a great athlete eager to run the race” (v.5). Or we can simply feel joy—that deep presence of serenity and peace—knowing that our Creator God loves us. No matter what highs or lows we’re going through, the One who “holds all creation together” cares for us (Colossians 1:17).

—Estera Pirosca Escobar

365-day plan: 1 Samuel 28:1-25

MORE
Read Psalm 104:1-35 and note the writer’s attitude at the end—an exuberant revelling of praise to the glorious Creator. 
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What element of God’s creation has particularly revealed His glory to you? What effect does it have on you?