God and Nature

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 Psalm 148 is a Psalm where the word "praise" is repeated twelve times in the fourteen verses with which the Psalm is composed. Obviously, the main theme is to praise God. As I read through the Psalm, I can't help but notice it  is divided in three sections. At least, that's the way I see it. First, the heavenly beings praise Him (1-2). Second, nature praises Him (3-10). Thirdly, humanity praises Him (11-14).

Today, February 2nd, 2022, a great snow storm touched  my town, bringing almost two feet of it. At least, that's what the weather man is forecasting. This made me think on how God, as a sovereign Lord and Creator, controls everything that goes on in the universe. He can calm the storm (Mark 4) , but he can also create it (Psalm 107). It's marvelous to see that God, with the snap of His fingers, can calm or cause a storm. Today happened to be 2/2/22, the day God picked to send a snow storm so strong, that we haven't seen one like this in quite a while. Why do I mention 2/2/22? Because I think God has a sense of humor in sending the storm on this specific date.  I'm not superstitious (the Bible doesn't vouche for that!) I just think it's funny.

Why not dedicate this day to God and His  sovereignty? It's the perfect example for Psalm 148 when it talks about nature: "Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!"

On this particular day, "snow and mist" and "stormy winds" are praising God and "fulfilling His Word". That's quite a different perspective, isn't it? Instead of complaining about the continuous shoveling and the life interruptions that the storm is causing, why not focus on the fact that nature itself is praising God and giving Him glory. "His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made".(Romans 1:20). What a  marvelous and better way to look at a day like this. I marvel at God's creation and the sense of peace it gives me. The Bible says that everything He has created is good (Genesis 1:12c) and nature is one of them. It can be entertaining, it can be soothing, it can be refreshing, it can be sustaining. Just think on all these benefits nature can bring and it's only because God has made it. He made it for you to enjoy and take care of it. God is worthy of all praise. This Psalm is a witness of it. Next time grumbling is building in our hearts, let's turn it around in days like this and say: "Nature is praising the Lord". Let us rejoice and be glad in it. What a day, what a God, what a Savior! God is good all the time. All the time, God is good! Would you praise Him today? May God bless you!

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