The intelligent design of creation provides encouragement
O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. – Psalms 104:24
Psalms 104:10-32
10 You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains.
11 They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees.
13 You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor.
14 You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth –
15 wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength.
16 The trees of the LORD are well cared for – the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses.
19 You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set.
20 You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about.
21 Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God.
22 At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest.
24 O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.
26 See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea.
27 They all depend on you to give them food as they need it.
28 When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied.
29 But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust.
30 When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made!
32 The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch.
Whenever specific needs and requirements demand unique design, planning, and implementation, producers develop made-to-order items for their customers. Made-to-order products meet special and individual demands. They are custom-made to fit a particular niche or need.
That is exactly how the Father created the universe, the planets, atoms, molecules, elements matter, energy, and all life forms. All things that exist have been intelligently designed and custom-built to meet the requirements, functions, and usage of the living things He made.
The Father’s creative work reveals His thoughtfulness and consideration for the living creatures He made. Psalms 104:10-11 reveals that the Father was considering His flora and fauna while creating the streams of water. His intention was usefulness and blessing, not of “harm” (Tesh and Zorn).
“The creation reveals our God with a vast intellect that we cannot begin to comprehend. Our best scientists must regularly revise their theories to try to explain what He created – and He puts all His wisdom at our service” (Stanley).
Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
When we pause and consider the Father’s marvelous creation, we marvel at the Father’s perspicacity and creative power. Upon reflection, we recognize the Father’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and provision. Omnipotence and tenderness, omniscience, and kindness are clearly seen. What an extraordinary combination of abilities and characteristics.
Psalms 104:24 O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
His creation is not limited to what we can see. It is infinitesimally small and also infinitesimally large. Living things are His “customers.” He foresaw and provided for all that He has made.
REFLECT & PRAY
His fingers formed the bough which grew the thorns that crowned His brow;
The nails which pierced His hands were mined in secret places He designed;
He made the forest whence there sprung the tree on which His body hung;
He died on a cross of wood, yet He made the hill on which it stood
(Phil Keaggy – Maker Of The Universe).
Father Your creation reveals Your character. It proclaims Your power. Yet it also whispers Your thoughtfulness, goodness, and kindness. Please remind me and encouraged me of Who and What You are in difficult times
INSIGHT
Where do we find encouragement in our fallen world which is seemingly in a downward spiral to oblivion?
“Psalm 104 celebrates the Father’s power, greatness, and magnificence. Encouragement rarely comes to those looking for ways to justify themselves” (Stanley).
So often we are tempted to give up and throw in the towel. One of the enemy’s favorite weapons is discouragement. He seeks to devour the children of the King and render us useless through whispers and shouts of doubt and fear. His goal is to entrap us in a web of discouragement and self-pity. Regrettably what often follows our frustration are feelings of anger and depression. Where do we turn to avoid becoming filled with rage and fury, lashing out and blaming others?
2 Corinthians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
The Father has our back. He is for us. He is not against us.
All that is happening in the world and our own lives at present was known to the Father before He created anything at all. He has always known the end from the beginning. Nothing ever surprises Him. He has never been caught off guard or unprepared.
Matthew 24:12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
2 Timothy 3:1 In the last days there will be very difficult times.
The Greek word translated as difficult is chalepos. The basic sense of chalepos is difficult to deal with or hard to bear. The word itself means hard, troublesome, perilous, grievous, violent, harsh, dangerous, fierce, even savage.
When we are thrown into these trials during the savage times, what are we to do? Reflect upon the truth of the word of God. How much of it have you hidden in your heart? Several scriptures apply directly to this situation. They are promises from the Father.
1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
Revelation 17:14 Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.
In our fallen world, tribulations and disappointments are a certainty. But children of the King can live above them.
“Refuse to become discouraged. Ask the Lord to reveal His will and plan for your life. Commit yourself fully to Him and pray to obey no matter what it costs. If you take this approach, then God will provide for you in ways that far exceed human understanding” (Stanley).
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© Dr. H 2022
Dr H Reflections 