God of Sunsets

Psa 8:1-5, 9 NLT - [1] For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. [2] You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. [3] When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-- the moon and the stars you have set in place-- [4] what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? [5] For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. ... [9] O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!

I drove back into Birmingham this evening. The last of the sunset draped over the bottom horizon between the sky and trees. The sunset illuminated the clouds, soaking them in orange and gold. I couldn’t help but think of God. Truly the psalmist was right when he proclaimed “O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.” Nature’s beauty can completely overwhelm you when you stop to consider its author. The power and asymmetry mixed with mystery and wonder reveal the greatness of our God.

This is something we don’t stop to do enough. It’s quite amazing how many people walk through the world every day without even stopping to look at the wondrous night sky, arrayed with jewels of worlds billions of miles away. God is incredible! We don’t give Him enough credit for what he does. Nature can be a powerful worship experience. It is a time of meditation; a time of worship between us and God. We should all take the same attitude as the psalmist: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-- the moon and the stars you have set in place--what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” Stop and think about it: the universe has billions of planets and stars, and yet God cares enough about you to listen to your prayers as simple as helping you find a parking spot or help a troubled friend or coworker.

Go through your day remembering to reflect on God. Use nature as a mirror to our souls. It will reveal that the God who makes a different sunset every day also is making you, little by little, into something beautiful.