Daily Encouragement Net (Archive/Print Edition)

Friday, February 24, 2006

"Divine Finger Painting"

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place" (Psalm 8:3).

Art is a subject I never seemed to have much gifting in. However I am blessed by photography and art that seeks to reflect the wonder of God's creation such as landscapes. This morning I was out and we had a brilliant sunrise. I have a special interest in photographs of the sunrise and sunset, although it's very hard to really capture what the eyes see live. The header to this message is a sunrise photo I took over the Atlantic Ocean.

I enjoy the little stories of what happens when children misunderstand adult concepts and wording that we simply take for granted. A pastor friend of mine shared one that I sure got a chuckle from. A little girl was asked what God did and she said, "God is an artist." The teacher asked her what she meant and recalling the line from the Lord's Prayer (as she understood it) she replied, "Our Father who does art in heaven."

That illustration prompted me to picture God as an artist and I suppose you could call Psalm 8:3 "divine finger painting." Psalm 8 is a wonderful Psalm written by David who extols God's greatness. It's only eight verses long and can be read in about 1 minute. Yet it's packed with majestic truths concerning God's glory and man's dignity.

When I read this passage I picture David lying on his back out in a field at night, looking up to the stars. Do you ever do that? Doing this still creates a sense of awe in me and I have often done this. In fact, I'll sure be doing this when the weather gets warmer!

In recognizing the majesty of God in His creation we sense our own puniness. David considers, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" Reflecting on God's greatness can certainly give us a proper perspective on the Almighty power of our sovereign Lord. We may wonder how such a great God can even be mindful of us.

But thanks be to God, He is mindful. He loves and cares and watches over all His creation. Today He, who never changes, is concerned for each one of us. We all find our rightful place when we, like David, live with the awareness of God's greatness. The Psalm ends with this great declaration, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Amen!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer: Lord God, Your magnificence is all around us. Your divine glory is revealed throughout Your creative design in nature, humanity, and the universe. Lord, even as You rule over nature and the universe I am grateful that You are the Supreme Ruler of my life. Bring into conformity my thoughts and actions as You search my mind and know my heart. I declare with the Psalmist today, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"

The great hymn "How Great Thou Art" comes to mind as I prepare this message. Here are two online versions that may be a blessing.
Audio
Video

Psalm 8

Another favorite sunset photo is a winter shot I took from the front of my home. This photo can be downloaded to your computer as a desktop if your desire.

See my entire collection of desktop photos. (This page also contains instructions on how to make any one of them your desktop (computer screen background).

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