Psalm 19:14 (CEB)

1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory;
    the sky is proclaiming his handiwork.
One day gushes the news to the next,
    and one night informs another what needs to be known.
Of course, there’s no speech, no words—
        their voices can’t be heard—
    but their sound extends throughout the world;
        their words reach the ends of the earth.

God has made a tent in heaven for the sun.
The sun is like a groom
    coming out of his honeymoon suite;
    like a warrior, it thrills at running its course.
It rises in one end of the sky;
    its circuit is complete at the other.
        Nothing escapes its heat.


Reflection

Where I grew up in central Pennsylvania, the sky is much much darker than it is here. At night in most of New Jersey, you are lucky to see the brightest planets and stars. Many places it’s difficult to identify any constellations – and as for seeing the Milky Way – fuhgettaboutit.

But back home, it was so dark that every once in a while – if conditions were just right – you could even see the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights.

I remember once being on a youth retreat at a ski resort atop a mountain, and walking out into the cold night to see the aurora glowing green in the sky. It was a spiritual experience.

I hear the author of this psalm trying to capture an experience like that. They describe Creation as an ongoing conversation: the world witnessing to itself, and to us, about its Maker. I like that notion that the world is witnessing to itself, whether humans recognize it or not. It’s a good reminder that beauty and wonder is always there, whether people are around to see it or not. So often we can’t be bothered to take the time, or we simply ignore it.

It would have been easy for me at 16 years old to keep talking with my friends and forget to look up. But had I done that, I would have missed a moment that still captivates me to this day.

Today, remember that nature is always speaking to itself about God’s goodness, power, and love. How often do we stop to listen?

by Joe Monahan


For Pondering & Prayer

Resolve to take a few moments today to get outside and look around – even if it’s just at the wildlife, plants, or insects in your backyard. Pay attention. Listen. Notice what you can. What does your little corner of Creation tell you about God?

Prayer: God, we praise you for the work of your hands! We praise you for the way your Creation witnesses to your goodness, power, and love. Lest we forget and miss what you have to say, capture our attention today! Amen.