Looking Up

"And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so.  And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day." Genesis 1:7&8

“God saw all that He had made and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

After weeks of depressive grey skies, the oppression of constant misting rain and days demanding woolen scarfs and down coats, I am finally seeing blue skies and warmer temperatures here in Georgia. Feathering across the azure expanses are wispy puffs of white clouds; the splash of color and sun is a welcome reprieve.  As I’m looking for all the things in my life that are very good, it was easy to see this one.  All I had to do was look up.

The psalmist wrote, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2, NASB95) Over and over again, in Scripture we read of God’s command to His child to look up.  Look up to Him for help and deliverance.  Look up and see His miraculously provisions.  Look up and worship the majesty of the Lord. Look up and see what’s He promises.

God’s creations point us to the Creator, and no creations are more effective than those cause us to look up: the expanse of the blue skies by day or the stars on a clear night, or mountains, majestic, rugged and breathtakingly powerful or a pair of eagles soaring across the expanses of the heavens. All of these dazzling displays of nature, God created and they are very good.

In God’s economy, everything His hand is in is created for multiple purposes: both tangible physical provisions as well as spiritual lessons and truths.  Looking up, the skies’ beauty is pleasing to my eyes and encourages my heart.  The perfection of the placement of the clouds by day and stars my night show me the great power and precise work of God’s designs. They are all beautiful and functional and instruct me in God’s character. 

Looking up, God’s faithfulness keeps the stars in place and moves the clouds to where they fulfill His functions for them.  This same faithfulness keeps me in place when I need to stand still and moves me when I have a function He wants me to fulfill.  Thinking of His faithfulness, the unknown of life diminishes in my mind’s eye.  I am reminded that His faithfulness not only is bestowed upon me, but is at work in the lives of loved ones whose choices nag my heart, tempting me to be fearful.  Looking up, I am reminded of God’s promise of provisions for me and my cherished ones no matter what fluctuations are produced by the economies of the world.

So as I look up to the sapphire dome dusted with puffs of white, I see God’s omnipotence and faithfulness alongside His artistry and beauty.  God’s provisions are not just practical but they are also many times, pleasing to the eye or palate or skin.  But regardless of the form of God’s supply, it’s His faithfulness that provides it.  And that never fails. 

Looking up to the heavens, “My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.” All I need to do is look up. All you need to do is look up. And keep looking up until God answers you.  Looking up, you will see what God has made, and it is very good. 

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ge 1:6–8.

It Was Very Good

“God saw all that He had made and behold, it was very good.” The simplicity and beauty of this verse strikes a chord with me. I feel the challenge that the Lord is placing before me: What are the very good blessings God has given me?   So for the month of January, I seek to notice and ponder and give thanks for these provisions.

In Genesis, Chapter One, we read that on day one, God created light which was separate from the darkness, thus forming the first day.  This makes me think of the sun, one of God’s creations that is ‘very good’.  I begin to ponder of all the good things that come about as a result of the sun’s warming, healing and brightening qualities.  It causes grass and vegetables and beautiful flowers to grow.  The sun kissed plant life nourishes animals that in turn nourish us.  When we get the proper amounts of exposure to sunlight, we feel better, sleep deeper and heal quicker from injury and illness.  We are happier, more optimistic and more creative when the sun shines through our windows or on our faces. When the sun is gone from the sky for night time, its brilliance is reflected off the moon.  The effects of the sun are still blessing us, as it makes us rest easier and sleep deeply.

The tangible and physical benefits of the sun certainly substantiate God’s assessment that this light is very good.  But also, there are the spiritual implications of the word light to consider.  Jesus is the Light of the World, illuminating the deceptions of sin, Satan and the world.  His light shows us the way to God’s path for our life thus bringing about a fulfilled heart.  God’s word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. The wisdom and truth of God’s word stills our anxieties, calms our fears and gives us hope and encouragement in a way that nothing else can deliver.  Christians are designated as the light here on earth illuminating the lost to God’s saving grace. How wonderful it is that the beautiful, brilliant sunshine can bring all of these spiritual truths to mind!

So what else is good in my life? No, not just good, but ‘very good’. I look around the room and I see a cozy blanket warming my feet with a precious little black dog curled up next to me. I see a basket full of laundry, clean and warm clothes in colors and fabrics that please me.  I see my empty coffee cup and breakfast plate on the coffee table, evidence of consumed dark rich coffee and an egg sausage casserole.  Again both are provisions that not only meet my need but please my palate. 

Because all that God does and commands is “very good”, as I think on these blessings and seek to add more to the list, my heart sings in gratefulness, there’s a smile on my face and happiness in my soul.  Does He not command us to dwell on the things that are “worthy of praise”? When I give praise to God for what He has done, I am the one blessed!

As the laundry is begging to be folded and the dishes are waiting to be washed, the sun is shining through the windows brightening and warming the day.  And it is all very good.