The Glory of “My Father’s World”

As I talk with friends and family in this time of quarantine, I have noted how many have commented on the beauty of getting outside. Many will share of the difference it makes in their day to take a brisk walk, sit in the yard, or take a bike ride. Most comment on how it changes their mental game for the day and gives them the lift that they need to be more productive in work and family life. I’ve even noticed friends sharing how it is as if their eyes have been refocused when it comes to noticing beauty outdoors. This has been an interesting observation!

What used to seem like a small thing - getting outside - is no longer.

At first, I chalked this up to my social circle being full of Pittsburghers who talk about the weather all the time, but I think there is more to it. Psalm 19:1-6 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.”

I love John Piper’s commentary on this passage. He uses language I had never considered before when he talks about God ministering to us through what He has created. He says, “Fix this truth in your minds: God speaks through what he has made and means for you to hear what he has to say. And since he never speaks in vain, he means for what he has to say to minister to you — to meet some need that you have.”

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Some synonyms that I found for the word declare are communicate, reveal, make known, proclaim, broadcast. How wonderful to know that God has built His revelation into His Creation. He does not hide Himself from us, He wants to be known. How gracious! All around us are opportunities to hear (by “listening” with our eyes) God communicate His glory through what He has made.

I dare to suggest that this is why many of us are so wooed by the outdoors these days. We are longing for some glory; for something greater than ourselves. We might not articulate it that way or even be able to put our finger on why we are drawn to the blooming azaleas or the baby birds outside of our window. What about the April showers or even the pesky bright dandelions? Psalm 19 teaches that all of it “talks” to us and tells a story of the great Creator that made it all.

This might seem a little strange, but I recently saw a bright red cardinal. I thought, “Wow, that bird is so red. God made that red. God designed that color.” This is where we get red corvettes and lipstick and high heels from. All of it, inspired by GOD’S RED. The Designer’s original palette.

Now this might seem like a digression, but really, my observation points to the reality of the glory that God’s creation declares. One simple, tiny bird got me thinking about the Creator. Just like that. God’s Creation speaks plainly, if we are willing to listen.

John Piper offers a word of caution as we ponder this text: “Day and night everywhere in the world God is speaking to all people about himself. Not about nature — we are not New Age pantheists. God is not nature. Nature is not God. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” They were not until he said they should be. What God is speaking about in the sky is beyond the sky, namely, himself. Verse 1: “The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the works of his hand.”

It might be tempting to be so drawn into creation that we miss the Creator Himself. Our God is the One whose is made known in every majestic sunset, each precise blade of grass, every stunning peony. He is the Message that these beautiful wonders hold for us. These created things are like arrows pointing up, saying, “Don’t miss Him! Clap for Him, not for us!” Let’s not miss the message behind the messengers. They don’t speak words per se, but they do speak loudly.

As you are drawn outside in these days of isolation, may you not miss the message that is being proclaimed.

The glory of the One and Only, true God.

May you even have opportunity to tell family, friends and neighbors about the Creator whose glory is more breathtaking than even the bluest sky. Consider what he has done to show the world His love in the ultimate way through sending us His son Jesus Christ, the Savior of all who turn to Him in faith – the One who will one day renew all of creation! (See Rev. 21)"

I want to close by sharing lyrics to a well-known Christian hymn. May these words stick with you so that, when you marvel at the beauty you find outside, you will be able to confidently say, “This is my Father’s world.”

This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their maker's praise.

This is my Father's world,
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world,
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world,
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!