Notes of Faith July 5, 2025

The Summer Retreat: God's Creation

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

Recommended Reading: Romans 1:18-20

It’s only natural that we spend more time outdoors during the summer months than any other time of the year. School is out, the weather is warm, and we discover new places while vacationing. The collectors among us delight in our finds: seashells, beautiful stones, unique wildflowers and leaves, and photos of amazing sites in nature.

Regardless of where we spend our summer months, there is one thing we can collect wherever we go: evidence of God in creation. Wherever we go and wherever we look, we see evidence of God’s power, grace, creativity, and life. The apostle Paul wrote that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). The psalmist David observed that “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Nature is the ultimate classroom in which we observe the creative acts and the sustaining power of God Himself.

Use your time in nature as motivation for declaring the praises of God for the privilege of living in His creation.

The creation is both a monument of God’s power and a looking glass in which we may see his wisdom.

Thomas Watson

Wherever you are, you can take in the glory of God through His creation. Even in the midst of a city, in a busy office, the glory of God is shown in the only thing He created in His image, man. Look around you and praise God for that which can, sometimes does, and should always reflect the glory of God. Praise Him for those around you. Lift them up. Encourage each one. Seek to strengthen them in the truth of God, leading them closer to Him. You are one of those created in His image. Give thanks for who He made you to be!

Pastor Dale