Foundations Week 18, Day 3

Scripture Read: Psalms 1; 19
Title: Praising God for His Word and Creation
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaim his handiwork."  Psalm 19:1

(E) Explain:  Both of the Psalms from today's reading focus on two things... God's Law (His Word) and God's handiwork(Creation).  The Psalmist praises God for both of these and explains that his worship comes from the joys that both bring to him.  In Psalm 1 he writes about how a person who is healthy and growing in the LORD is one who is continually studying, obeying and living according to the law of the LORD.  
In Psalm 19 the writer declares the wonder of God's creation and how it reveals God's glory and displays His creativity.  He also writes about the law of God by calling it perfect, sure, right, pure, and true.  The Psalmist was drawn into the presence of God by taking in the Word of the LORD and by observing creation around him.    

(A) Application:  I remember when I lived in the country many years ago and one evening I went outside of our old townhouse and looked up at the heavens above my head.  My jaw dropped as I gazed into the sky and saw the seemingly infinite array of stars that spanned for as far as the naked eye could see.  As I stared at the sky I was reminded of how small I am in comparison to the colossal universe that we live in. 
I’m sure what I experienced was probably similar to the thoughts and insights of the Psalmist as he observed the starry sky at night and probaly pondered God, the universe (the heavens) and the meaning of life.  
The writer acknowledges God’s fame and reputation being visible for all to see throughout creation.  The glory and splendor of the invisible God can be seen throughout creation.  God has revealed himself to us through creation.  When we look around us we don’t see creation as God but we see God and his attributes in creation.  The planets, the stars, the limitless universe give a partial view of the splendor of God. Yet "sophisticated" people shrug off the evidence as if (He) didn’t exist.  God is exalted above all and to know his glory is to know him as he really is at the core of his being.
Take some time this week and watch the sunset or in the evening look up to the heavens and consider the greatness of God.  Thank and praise Him because He has entrusted you with his wonderful creation and He has crowned you with glory and honor. 

(R) Respond: How small and insignificant I  feel in the vast universe and on this small sphere we call earth.  God doesn’t see me as small and insignificant though.  He sees me as His beautiful child that He has entrusted everything to.  Not because I am worthy, but because He is worthy and good.