 Monday: The Attraction of Creation
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant
to the sight, and good for food.
Gen 2:9a
God made trees that are beautiful to see. They bear fruit that is wonderful
to eat. As God created the world, He looked at everything He made and called
it good. This was no accident. He did it on purpose. Creation was supposed
to be good. It was supposed to be useful. It was supposed to be attractive:
a perfect place for a perfect relationship between God and His people.
The attraction of creation is just as strong today as it ever was. Consider
the majestic grandeur of snow-capped mountain ranges. Think about the awesome
power of ocean waves as they crash along the beach. Beautiful wild flowers
blooming in the fields, graceful eagles soaring across the skies, slender
palms swaying in the wind--all of them are the handiwork of God. All of them
have existed since creation, and all of them continue to inspire us.
Creation is more than mountains and oceans and plants and animals. Consider
a mother and child laughing as they play in a grassy field, or a boy and
girl holding hands on their first date. The bonds of love and friendship
are the fruit of God's hand, and they are wonderfully attractive, too.
Creation exists at God's pleasure and for our enjoyment. It is good for us
to admire and enjoy it. On your pilgrim journey, look at all that God has
done and give thanks for it.
Enjoyment should be coupled with a spirit of humble gratitude. We do not
enjoy creation due to anything we have done or earned, but because of the
abundant love of the Creator.
Gracious God and giver of all good things, what a glorious world You have
made. I see the works of Your hands and marvel. It is too much for me to
understand. Thank you for Your bountiful provision. Thank you for Your steadfast
love. Be always with me on my journey today. Amen.
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