Declaring God’s glory
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1).
Read Psalm 19
Reading this Psalm, I am struck by the big-ness of the universe and God’s creation. The concept of infinity really does my head in. I am writing this in the aftermath of Christmas. Once again, we have heard the familiar words telling of Jesus’ birth and the choirs of angels who heralded that event. At that time, I guess the heavens were declaring God’s glory. I haven’t seen the sky filled with angels singing, but that doesn’t mean that these days, the heavens don’t tell of that glory – even in these troubled times.
Have you ever seen the stars when there is no light pollution? What a gift is a view where you can watch a lightning display in safety or take in the glories of a sunrise or sunset. How do you feel about thunder cracking overhead? You may prefer to hear it rumbling away into the distance. I haven’t experienced the Aurora Australis or the Aurora Borealis, but I know that people travel vast distances to see them and gaze in wonder at the display they provide. I appreciate seeing a rainbow and remembering God’s promise that he will always be with me no matter what happens. And, sometimes, it’s just good to look up at the sky and see the blueness and the clouds with which it is decorated. How amazing is our God who has created these phenomenal displays? And I love the notion that ‘God has pitched a tent for the sun’.
And just as the sun, moon and stars have their set order and paths to follow, the psalmist goes on to praise the law of the Lord. God’s commands are a gift and not a burden. I wonder whether you and I share that view? Do we celebrate God’s desire that we love one another – not just those who are easy to love, but everyone? Even that person – colleague, acquaintance or family member – who really gets under our skin and manages to upset us sometimes by just being there?
We know that living with no boundaries is not a good thing. We need boundaries to help us contain our lives. To give us guidance about when to stop so that we do not harm ourselves or others. The psalmist paints a beautiful picture of God’s will – it gives wisdom, joy and light to our eyes. How blessed are we to know God’s wishes – and how much more blessed are we when we follow God’s will in all we say and do.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart today be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
Colleen has one husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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