Wonder

I wonder where you feel God’s presence most tangibly? Maybe it’s in silent prayer, or when your voice joins with others in praise. Maybe it’s sitting with your Bible or listening to worship music.

For me, it’s when I am outside (ideally beside the sea!).

Psalm 95 reminds us that every detail of creation is God’s design, 'In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.'

The Psalm doesn’t just tell us that God is the Creator, it tells us this demands a response. The Psalm starts with the invitation 'O come Let us sing to the Lord'. We should worship him because he is the Creator, and because he holds the mountains in His hands. In this Psalm, we are called to come, to kneel and to listen.

When we see the world that God has created, our worship can’t be passive. Rather, it has to be active. As His greatness and wonder are revealed in nature we, as people who love and follow him, should be at the forefront of preserving our planet. Consider how you might use your voice to speak up and speak out.

Consider what you have most appreciated about nature and God's creation this past year. Linger longer with that memory or in that space today to give thanks and praise to God.

Take yourself outside on a nature walk as you listen to the voice of God. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your creation. Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us. For the majesty of the mountains, the vastness of the sea, the beauty in detail and colour. God, help us to see you in the world and to use our voices and our actions to speak truth to power. Amen.

Today's contribution is adapted from an original contribution by Laura Kerr. Laura works for World Development and Relief, part of the Methodist Church in Ireland. She lives in Newtownards with her husband Peter.