Intelligent Design Instills Confidence
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
You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor.
You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth – wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength. The trees of the LORD are well cared for – the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There, the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses.
You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about. Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food God provides. At dawn, they slink back into their dens to rest.
O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea.
They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made! The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch.
Made-to-Order Creation
When specific needs and requirements call for a unique design, planning, and implementation, producers create custom-made items for their customers. These products are tailored to meet individual needs and serve a specific niche or purpose.
This concept reflects how the Father created the universe. Every aspect of creation, planets, atoms, molecules, elements, matter, energy, and all life forms, was thoughtfully designed and custom-built to serve specific functions and purposes. Nothing was accidental; everything was crafted with purpose and precision.
Thoughtfulness in Creation
The Father’s creative work demonstrates His deep thoughtfulness and care for the living creatures He made. Psalms 104:10-11 beautifully reveals this: “You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.” This passage highlights how even the streams of water were designed with the needs of plants and animals in mind. His intention was always to bless and provide, never to harm (Tesh and Zorn).
As Stanley observes, “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.”
Creation as a Revelation of God
The natural world stands as a testament to the Father’s eternal power and divine nature. Romans 1:20 states, “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 his divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
When we take a moment to reflect on the Father’s marvelous creation, we are reminded of His unmatched intellect and creative power. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and provision are evident in every detail. Omnipotence and tenderness, omniscience and kindness, these extraordinary qualities are woven into the fabric of creation.
Psalms 104:24 declares, “O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”
The Infinite Scale of Creation
The Father’s creation isn’t limited to what we see. It spans from the smallest parts to the incredibly vast. From the microscopic details of cells to the enormous scope of galaxies, His work is a masterpiece of design. Living things are His “customers,” and He anticipated and supplied for all their needs with care and precision.
REFLECT & PRAY
Phil Keaggy’s words in Maker of the Universe capture the profound connection between the Creator and His creation:
“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.”
Father, Your creation reflects Your character. It proclaims Your power while also whispering Your thoughtfulness, goodness, and kindness. In difficult times, remind me of Who You are and the care You have shown through Your creation.
INSIGHT
Finding Encouragement in a Fallen World
In a world that often feels like it is spiraling into chaos, where can we find encouragement? The challenges of life, combined with humanity’s brokenness, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. However, the Word of God offers hope and assurance, reminding us of the Father’s power, greatness, and magnificence. As Stanley notes, “Psalms 104 celebrates the Father’s power, greatness, and magnificence. Encouragement rarely comes to those who are looking for ways to justify themselves.”
The Enemy’s Weapon: Discouragement
Discouragement is one of the enemy’s most powerful weapons, designed to weaken the children of the King and render us ineffective through constant whispers and shouts of doubt and fear. His objective is to ensnare us in a tangled web of discouragement and self-pity, which can often lead to frustration, anger, and even depression. During such times, we might react impulsively or blame those around us.
So, where can we turn to escape this trap? The answer lies in the Father, the ultimate source of comfort and strength. As stated in 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’s Sovereignty
The Father consistently remains in control, always advocating on our behalf. Every event occurring in the world and in our individual lives was known by Him long before the foundation of the universe was laid. He has an eternal understanding of both the beginning and the end, leaving nothing to surprise or catch Him off guard.
The Bible warns us about the difficulties that lie ahead in our times. In Matthew 24:12, it states, “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:1 warns, “In the last days, there will be very difficult times.”
The Greek word for “difficult” is chalepos. Chalepos is used only twice in the New Testament and conveys “the heaviness of hardship that is deeply felt and burdensome.” It includes meanings such as “troublesome, perilous, grievous, violent, harsh, dangerous, fierce, and savage.” These descriptions powerfully capture the essence of the challenges we may encounter in these turbulent times. The last days will be so terrible that they are almost impossible to endure.
As William Barclay notes, “2 Timothy 3:1-4 is one of the most terrible pictures in the New Testament of what a godless world would be like, with the terrible qualities of godlessness set out in a ghastly list.”
Standing Firm in Trials
When we face these harsh trials, how should we respond? The answer is found in the truth of God’s Word. Reflecting on His promises and storing them in our hearts helps us stand firm.
1 John 5:4 offers this assurance: “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” Similarly, Revelation 17:14 declares, “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.”
These verses remind us that, although tribulations and disappointments are unavoidable in a fallen world, as children of the King, we can rise above them.
Living Above the Chaos
Stanley provides profound guidance for navigating life’s challenges: “Choose not to be discouraged. Seek the Lord’s revelation of His will and plan for your life. Dedicate yourself completely to Him and commit to obeying, regardless of the cost. If you embrace this mindset, God will provide for you in ways that surpass human comprehension.”
By grounding ourselves in God’s promises and aligning with His will, we can find encouragement and strength, even in the most difficult circumstances. The unwavering nature of the Father’s sovereignty, love, and provision gives us hope and peace in a world that desperately needs both.
The beauty of creation reflects the essence of God’s character, His power, wisdom, and kindness. It reminds us of His omnipotence and gentle care, as He thoughtfully provides for all He has made. Let us take a moment to appreciate the exquisite beauty and complexity of His work, recognizing His presence in every detail.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 