God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day. Genesis 1:31
I recently wrote about the Names of God, reminding us how much we could delve into the character and nature of God through His names. God is so vast, and so much more than our human brains can ever wrap our minds around. For me, being able to study, learn, and then to love God in this way, has opened my prayer life and my spiritual life. This week’s study opened me up to worshiping, once again, Creator God.
He looked at His creation and said “It was Good”
My computer screen saver is a site that offers photos – grand photos – from places around the world. The scenes often take my breath away and stir my curiosity! If I want to know more, I can click on the screen and will be taken to another site that tells me where in the world that photo was taken. Information about that area and more photos are available. As Scott and I think about traveling and seeing God’s world in the years ahead, I have tucked some of these places away in my memory as places we may want to see! Some were never on my radar prior to seeing the striking photos.
Earlier this week, after enjoying a particularly lovely photo, I was drawn to Elohim, God, Mighty Creator. The Holy Spirit reminded be that none of this beauty was by accident – that all is the blueprint of a Creator who loves us, created this planet for us, left it to us to care for it and who calls it all “Good.” I read this quote during my devotion time that day: “Elohim, you looked at all you created and said it was good. From the Himalayas to DNA, everything you have made is wonderful and orderly and good” (Ann Spangler, from Praying the Names of God Journal)
My heart responded! And then my hand flew across the journal pages! “I praise you and thank you, Creator God, for all that is good and beautiful in your world. For bumblebees! How on earth to they fly?”
I pictured random pieces of God’s beautiful creation in my mind’s eye!
The intricate color and beauty of hummingbirds and their miraculous speed!
The stars that shine and have been the source of directional guidance for humanity through the ages. And You placed each one!
Mountain peaks and green valleys. Weeping willows and the giant Redwoods.
Sunsets so colorful and vibrant they steal our breath as they usher in the nighttime. A time given to us by You for slowing down, for sleep and for restoration.
The human brain with its unlimited capacity for learning and thinking and remembering and worshipping and feeling and knowing our Creator.
“Oh God, I praise you and thank you for it all – the rhythm and symmetry and color and detail and vastness. For all the hidden secrets and lessons in your creation!”
I just love when the Spirit of God overwhelms me during these precious times in His presence and my hand cannot write fast enough to express the love, joy, and awe of knowing Him! I never know when it will happen, but I keep pen and paper nearby so that I can capture these moments! “Blink!” Good moments with my Savior!!
As I read on in the devotional, I came across another quote. “Elohim, you created me and you promise in your Word you will be with me wherever I go. You are the God who keeps his promises.” Genesis 28:15
Immediately Psalm 139:14-15 came to mind. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” That’s me, Father! I am one of your works, so I am wonderful! Your Word tells me that.
While I read and believe and love the way God’s word says He loves and regards me, doubt creeps in; a niggle of uncertainty!
For how can this be when I see so much wrong and flawed within me? When I see so much in great need of your redeeming love and transformation! It is so easy to then doubt and to think that when you said your creation was “Good” that you meant everything but me!
Forgive me, God, when the whisper of the evil one in my ear that says, “You are too flawed to be used by a Holy God,” is louder than your declarations of value and love! Louder than the truth of your written Word! Plant the truth of your written word so deep in me that I never doubt, but only believe.
- You daughter, son, are a Masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works – preordained for you to do! (Eph. 2:10)
- I love you with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3)
- You are my beloved and I will never leave you for forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- Know that plans I have for you – to prosper you, not to harm you. To give you a hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today I choose to make Your word and Your promises the foundation on which I stand and walk into this day – wide open with your goodness. I choose to take you at your word, Father God. I choose to let Your Voice be the loudest one in my ear. I choose to live so others will see Jesus in me, will be attracted to the Light, and will want to know You!
What you set in motion at the dawn of creation, You said was “Good!”. Because of Your grace and faithfulness, creation is still good – even in a fallen world.
Thank you, Elohim!! For the joys of knowing You as my Creator God!
Thank you for new insights and deeper connections each time I study and pray Your Names.