When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:3-5)
Some years ago, my husband and I sat in our campsite in Africa, miles from civilization, and stared in awe at the night sky. The sky seemed darker, the stars brighter and far more numerous than when we looked up from our home in the city. I knew that, according to people who study the heavens, there are over a hundred billion stars in our galaxy alone—and new ones developing all the time. How can I begin to relate to the God behind such creation?
Genesis 1:27 tells me that when God created human beings, He made them to be like himself. There is no way my finite mind can comprehend anything as vast as God’s creation, yet I do share one similarity. I share His desire to create.
My friend, a potter, turns lumps of clay into beautiful pots and ornaments. The carpenter creates elegant pieces of furniture and delicate trophies. The artist captures scenes of beauty on canvas, while the musician turns notes and rhythms into magnificent sounds. But we as writers use words to create stories, ballads and inspirational articles with the power to transport the reader into another world.
The magnitude of God’s creation exceeds our wildest imaginations, yet when He made us in His image, He gave us a little touch of an amazing gift—the gift of creation. I once heard a comment along the lines, The talents we have are God’s gifts to us. What we do with them are our gifts to Him.
So fellow wordsmiths, when we sit down to write, let’s keep our task in proportion. We’re not working. We’re creating. We’re using the words God gives us, but will the finished product bring pleasure and glory to Him?
Pray with me? Loving Creator God, when I look at the night sky I catch a fleeting glimpse of your eternal Kingdom. Thank You for the creative gift of writing that you have given me. As I work on my projects today, help me to remember I'm following your example. May my writing, in some tiny way, reflect your glory and show your love for the people you created. Amen.
How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!
(Psalms 19:1 GNB)
OVER TO YOU: What gift will you create for God today?
SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.
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Your creative writing is your vocation. How interesting that God would put this devotion on your heart when He did something similar with my Garment of Praise. Do you think He's trying to tell us something? :-)
ReplyDeleteCould be, Judith. I read and enjoyed your devo as well. So what d'you suppose He's trying to tell us?
DeleteFunny you should mention looking at the night sky. I find that when I sit outside and enjoy nature, the writing seems to flow. It's as if appreciation for all God has created allows that creativity to flow through me onto the printed page.
ReplyDeleteIntereting thought, Suzanne. It makes sense though. Hmm - more star-gazing folk!
DeleteLovely post, Shirl. Thanks for your encouraging words :)
ReplyDeleteThankks Narelle. I guess the night sky is something we all have in common, even if we see it at a different angle!
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