Forty Days in the Psalmsনমুনা

The Bible tells us that Jesus’ favorite places to pray were out in nature. I (Josiah) don’t think it was incidental that mountains and deserts were the retreat of our Lord when He wanted to spend serious time with His Father.

I also don’t believe it’s a coincidence that our modern tendency to spend six to ten hours a day hunched over a man-made computer screen, phone, or tablet has left our souls shrunken, self-obsessed, and numb to the Majesty of God.

Psalm 19 compares the majesty, faithfulness, and beauty of the sun rising in the morning and burning its way across the Earth till night, as it leaves no corner of the ground unsearched by its light, to the same qualities of the Word of God. All of Creation is declaring the Glory of God! So, if we hide inside and never listen to Creation's song, is it any wonder why God has grown so small to us and our problems and desires have become so all-consuming?

Of course, you can stand on the edge of the ocean or swim in a lake and still never think of God; but it's sure a lot harder. You can obsess about yourself and all the stuff you want and don’t have while you are looking up at the night sky full of stars, but you will really have to try! You can watch a couple of kids playing with their dog on an endless green field under the summer sun and never feel a spark of joy for all that God has done, but if you can do that, you are a much tougher person than me!

I want to take the easy way out. I want to walk through an endless Missouri forest and reflect on the fact that God calls those who have their faith in Jesus His "oaks of righteousness". I want to take Psalm 19 outside with me and see what Jesus saw...the Perfect Law and Beauty of God...both inside and outside.

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

Take a walk outside today and take Psalm 19 with you. No matter if it's during a rainstorm, a cold snap, or as you watch an incredible sunrise, you will witness the connection between the Power of the Creator and the Power of His Word. Thank Him for His Creation and His Perfect Law. Ask Him to free you day by day from yourself.