I sat in the driver’s seat while Jennae, very patiently, braved the task of copilot as the car wove it’s way down a long stretch of highway.  Leaves danced in the warmth of a summer breeze.  Vibrant shades of green adorned every bit of earth and branch but for the thin stretch of road we traveled down, kept at bay only by the constant commotion of cars.  A watercolor display of blue was painted magnificently across the sky.

Beautiful.

A masterpiece blessing this museum called earth, designed and gifted by the Artist who placed the stars in the sky.  Seeing it was like falling in love.

Psalm 19 says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.”

This passage moves me to tears.  It’s beautiful.  Can you see it?  The miracle that nature is, and the Glory it gives praise to?  But if we would be like the trees, like the sky, earth, and waters, sun, moon, and stars.  Created.  Finite.  Having a beginning and an end.  Yet singing out, unashamed and unabashed, to the Creator.

“They have no speech, they use no words”…”Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

As I drove that long stretch of highway, and any time I take the time to look up, to look around, nature sings its song of praise to God, even as God uses it to sing a love song over me.  And I fell in love all over again.  That’s what the beauty of nature inspires in my spirit.  That overwhelming, joyous, uncontainable experience of falling in love.  And I marvel in it.  That God, the Creator of the universe, our Comforter, the Prince of Peace, our Champion, would love me so much to send me love notes through all of creation.

But He is not simply a God of pretty words and nice gestures.  My King died for me.  He gave his very life, for me.

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”  {Hebrews 12:2}

Is there anything more beautiful than that?  Anything more precious?  Oh, may my Lord find beauty in my praises, and that my life would bring Him joy.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness.” {Psalm 115:1}