The Terrifying Beauty

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and

tell about the wonders you have worked.

Psalm 9:1 (CEV)

Sure, God created birds and puppies, flowers, and rainbows. But God also created fire and lava and storms—terrifying things that show the magnitude of God’s power.

When a man in the Bible named Job experienced immense suffering and lost everything he had, he begged God for a chance to talk to him face to face. Job felt it was unfair and wanted answers. Instead of telling Job why he experienced suffering, God answered with a lecture on creation. He peppered him with questions: Do you control the lightning? Can you speak to the ocean? Do you move the sun and the moon?

Why did God ask Job all these questions? It was to remind him of God’s great power and wisdom. It’s like God was really asking, “Knowing who I am, do you trust me?” When Job realized this, he fell down in awe and had no words to respond. Still, God recognized Job’s faith and restored to him all he had lost.

Read those questions again, in a loud voice, imagining God asking you these questions. God’s wonders remind us of how great God is . . . and how small we are. The terrifying beauty of volcanoes, avalanches, and tsunamis aren’t meant to scare us, but rather to help us live in obedience and respect toward God, giving him the honor he deserves.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Spending time thinking about God’s wonders can change your perspective on your problems. Knowing how powerful God is, reminds you he can handle whatever you ask. Knowing how creative God is, reminds you he can help you discover unique ways to face life’s challenges. Set aside just 10 minutes to sit outside and observe his creation. From the vast sky above to the tiny clover hiding in the grass . . . praise God for all of his creation, including you! And then tell him about any problems you’re going through. He cares and will help you find a way to get through.

INSPIRATION

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

—George Washington Carver, a prominent African American scientist in the early 20th century

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Job 42:2

Joel 2:30

Acts 17:24–25

Romans 1:20