Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
Those verses describe in poetic ways that God's creation communicates truths about God's character. The rest of the Psalm describes how God's Word does that too and how God's Word can bless us as we apply it to our lives.
But I'd like to focus on this idea of how nature reflects who God is. Many people these days - Christians and non-Christians alike - describe how they feel close to God when out it nature. It's not sufficient to only spend time in nature to commune with God, but our world does portray God's creativity.
Consider these examples:
- The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west in a predictable fashion.
- The North Star can be used as a guide if all our technological instruments fail when sailing or flying.
- The "Old Faithful" geyser will erupt either 65 minutes or 91 minutes depending on how long the eruption lasts.
What do those features of nature communicate about our God?
They reflect his reliability and faithfulness. God can be counted on; He is dependable.
Daniel knew well of the faithfulness of the Lord. Chapter 1 can seem to be an exaltation of Daniel's own faithfulness, when in reality it's more a magnification of God's faithfulness.
God gave Israel over to the Babylonians (vs.2).
God gave Daniel favor in the heart of his overseers (vs.9).
God gave Daniel and his friends superior wisdom and knowledge (vs.17).
They were facing extremely difficult circumstances, but God still came through for them. And He would continue to do so for the next seven decades.
I imagine the introductory verses of another Psalm resonated in their hearts whenever they reflected back on God's working in their lives:
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
God is faithful and we will not fear.
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