Blue Skies and Sunshine

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19:1-6 ESV).

 

Not far from our house there’s a dirt road leading across the pasture to an oil well. I’m being a bit generous calling the land a “pasture.” As you can see from the picture the wild grasses are only interrupted by the mesquite trees which also grow wild through this part of the state. I’ve often thought that God made the landscape so “plain” so that we might really appreciate the sky. Since we have begun summer in earnest here, the temperatures are approaching 100 degrees. We’ve actually gone beyond that a time or two already. I have heard all the sayings trying to minimize the heat. The one I especially like is: “Well, it’s a dry heat; so it doesn’t seem quite so bad.” Y’all, when the heat index breaks 100-110 degrees, it’s hot enough to fry an egg on the concrete! Dry or not, it’s hot!

 

However, one of the great things about this country is the bright blue skies nearly every day. There’s nothing like bright sunshine to chase away clouds of weariness and anxiety. Soaking up the sun’s warmth and light can restore serenity faster than any potion or self-help advice. And, if reflections of those rays are winking off gentle waves in a calm breeze so much the better. The psalmist knew this truth as he declares the heavens declare, and skies proclaim, day after day and night after night an unquenchable hope and rests in victory. All of creation testifies to the glory and splendor of God.

 

The psalmist goes on to remind us that the Creator of the world is the Creator of the Word, that just as the sun’s light benefits all of natural life, God’s perfect law enhances the lives of God’s people. Yet the glory of the Creator and the love of the Redeemer mean little if they are not equally displayed on the horizon of our lives. A life that rejoices in God’s sovereignty and delights in God’s beauty; a life that knows what is right, true, and just and isn’t afraid to name it; and a life that kneels before its maker and owner and lays its thoughts and words, everything it says and thinks, before God as a sacrifice of praise: this is the life our Creator calls us to consider.

 

Perhaps today is a good day for you to gaze into the blue sky, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and thank Him for such a day!