(a personal psalm)
Surrounded by tall, majestic trees,
I rest here on the deck with you, Father,
reveling in the quiet.
The stillness pervades my soul and I sense your peace.
Bright morning sun dapples the landscape and spangles the leaves.
Dewdrops gild the grass.
Such radiant splendor ushers your joy into my spirit, oh God.
“Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun”
(Ecclesiastes 11:7 NIV).
Overhead a crystalline blue sky speaks of your majesty—
its unlimited vastness, a picture of your infinity;
its constant habitation over the earth,
a reminder of your omnipresence.
The heavens do indeed declare your glory (Psalm 19:1a),
and I worship you.
Soft, refreshing breezes brush against my skin,
their arrival unannounced and unbidden.
They are invisible, yet cause leaves to dance and flowers to sway.
Such breezes bring to mind your Spirit—also invisible
yet always refreshing, guiding and encouraging me with gentle whispers
(2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Kings 19:12).
I praise you for such gracious provision in my life.
Leaves on the trees gracefully clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12),
drawing attention to their beauty.
Some of these trees are very old; roots reach deep and wide.
Their strength is a metaphor for your power:
proven over time, reliable, unchanging.
And that strength is available to me—
an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
“Thank you” is terribly inadequate.
Two cardinals provide an antiphonal chorus;
a flicker chatters contentedly.
Other small birds tweet and cheep
in happy celebration of a splendrous morning.
I’m reminded how you care for the smallest,
most common sparrow (Matthew 6:26),
and my soul is comforted by your loving attentiveness.
Flowers still bloom in yards and planters.
How many thousands of flowers have you designed, God?
Surely one type of bloom would be sufficient for bees.
Yet you’ve created a glorious variety.
Your artistry is astounding— delicate petals and intricate shapes,
in numerous sizes from sunflower-grand to umbrellawort-small.
“I sing for joy at the work of your hands” (Psalm 92:4b NIV).
Oh, Lord, how I praise you for the many ways creation reveals your nature.
Daily you touch my soul through the beauty and majesty of your works.
The earth is teeming with evidence of your unfailing love (Psalm 33:5)!
And I stand in awe of you, the Creator of the universe, my Heavenly Father.
What attribute of God do you see revealed in nature? How does his creative work touch your spirit? Please share in the comment section below!
(Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.public-domain-image.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.goodfreephotos.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Just beautiful~
Thank you, Dawn. Praise God for his inspiration!
Oh, Nancy, sooooo beautiful. The words and pictures are a perfect match.
How does God’s creative work touch my spirit? I was driving home from an errand this morning and glanced at the trees–still so beautiful here, but a touch of Fall around the edges–and God’s spirit touched me with a word about joy. I’ve been feeling unjoyful lately and felt the enemy of my soul had sucked it all away due to some circumstances with family going on.
God reminded me that the devil has no power in my life and that God is FOR those family members, not against them…
Just an instant touch yet a full understanding, know what I mean?
(I know you do!)
Praise God for the way he can minister wisdom, hope, and encouragement in an instant! Thank you for sharing this moment with us, Jody. Also appreciated your description of almost-autumn: “a touch of Fall around the edges.” Lovely, and so true. Here in the Midwest, the humidity is dropping (though not so much the heat!), acorns are dropping, leaves on the black walnut are yellowing. Fall is definitely just around the corner!
And that strength is available to me—an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
I needed that today – Thanks, Nancy!
Lord, my dear friend, Debbie, is facing trouble today. May your strength flow through her spirit, renew her mind and empower her to meet this trouble head-on. Thank you for this promise in Psalm 46:1, that you will help her EVERY moment. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!
:~)
Amen, amen and amen. What a refreshing post. I sat still, breathed in your words and praised the Lord!
What a delight for me to be able to offer refreshment, and inspire praise! Thank you, Jean.
THANK YOU, for allowing us a glimpse into your heart of worship. It reflects our Makers love for us and the reason why we were created, namely to worship Him and glorify Him. I, too, love to be in nature and find that He teaches us so many lessons there. Thanks for sharing and helping us remember!
Yes, your posts and photography often reflect your love of nature and delight in the lessons to be learned from God’s creation. I always appreciate your beautiful expressions of worship, Heidi–with words and with your camera!
Lovely Psalm, Nancy. Such beauty in our world from Him is but a small reflection of the beauty He has awaiting us in Heaven.
Overwhelming to contemplate, isn’t it?!