The Hand of God or Mother Nature?

The beauty of spring surrounds us on every turn. As mentioned in an earlier blog, the sounds of birds chirping and geese honking awake the world from a deep wintry sleep.

“For behold, the winter is past,
 The rain is over and gone.”
 Song of Solomon 2:11

Now that May is almost over and June hovers, I must add yet another sign of spring. Lilacs, apple blossoms, tulips, crocuses, and daffodils each break from their winter home and colour our world with a beauty that often leaves us in awe.

“Wilderness and desert will sing joyously,
  the badlands will celebrate and flower—
 Like the crocus in spring, bursting into blossom,
  a symphony of song and color.”
 Isaiah 35:1 (The Message)

For the past fourteen years we have been blessed with this tree in front of our apartment balcony. When the first few buds appear, we wait in anticipation for the blossoms to pop from their shells. Unknown to me by name, the blossoms are short-lived, and until the spring winds or rain (or both!) bring a finale to their spectacular display, we enjoy God’s handiwork, for who else but God could create such beauty!

“Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
  The whole world’s a choir—and singing!
  Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet strains.
  Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,
  and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms.”
  Song of Solomon 2:12-13 (The Message)

I often think of individuals who reject the Creator’s hand amidst these seasonal changes. While others see God at work in the beauty of creation, those who deny His existence boldly credit these changes to “mother nature.” Such individuals not only reject God’s hand in creation, they reject His Word and His omniscience. There is no human explanation that can satisfy the wonder of God-designed seasonal change, and there is no substitute for God, the Creator, and His Word.

“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
  and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
  Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
  producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
  So will the words that come out of my mouth
  not come back empty-handed.
  They’ll do the work I sent them to do,
  they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.”
  Isaiah 55:10-11 (The Message)

Our world is hurting. Premeditated evil, greed for power and control, pain, and undeniable monstrosities have grabbed our attention and hold us as in a vice. And it is not without tears, anguish, and prayerful thought that I write the above with the hope that we are reminded of the beauty of creation amidst the sorrow and pain that has gripped our world. My prayers continue to go before the God of Creation for those who have lost loved ones in these horrific days and months.