Francine Rivers - Earth Psalms: Reflections on How God Speaks Through Nature

Introduction

S CRIPTURES SAY, For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see his invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature. So [we] have no excuse for not knowing God (Romans 1:20). Everything God has created is a wonder to behold. If we look closely, we find lessons in our observations.

Writers of the Bible taught lessons through all aspects of the natural world, including plants and animals, reptiles and insects. King David used metaphors of sheep and pastures. Solomon wrote proverbs about sparrows and dogs, pigs and vipers, ants, hyraxes, locusts, and lizards. The prophets warned of how God could stop the rain and bring climate change. When Jesus walked the earth, He spoke about wheat and tares, the mustard seed, a pearl, seeds and soil.

God is an artist, and the earth and the universe are His canvas. From the microscopic complexities of an atom to the immense, expanding universe with nebulae, black holes, and galaxies, God shows His power and majesty, His attention to detail, and His great and unfailing love for us. Jesus said if people did not praise Him, The stones will cry out! (Luke 19:40, NIV ).

When I was a girl, my family traveled, camped, and explored Gods creation. I tried to do the same with my children. Its in my DNA, so the idea of writing earth psalms as worship to the Lord sprang from my heart. Once I started, I couldnt help but praise Him for the diversity and beauty of His handiwork. I sought lessons and hidden messages in the myriad animals, plants, reptiles, and insects God has made. Now I have the privilege of sharing with you some of my observations.

Before now, Id often considered writing a devotional, but I knew I wanted more than my limited view and personal insights. Tyndale graciously connected me with Karin Buursma, who has enriched my offering with hymns, quotes, reflections, and applications for connecting with God.

A painting is not the painter, but the passion of the artists heart is revealed through his work. Karin and I hope this book will encourage you to look at the world God created and search for the subtle messages that will expand your love for Him and your desire for a closer relationship with Him. So lean in, look more closely at the treasure trove, and seek Him. What lessons might God have embedded in the plants, animals, life cycles, and characteristics of His immense, complex, and marvelous creation? From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of space are countless blessings the Lord offers you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, ears, and heart to receive what God has for you.

Enjoy!

The faithful love of the L ORD never ends!

His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness;

his mercies begin afresh each morning.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

R ick and I get up early, and were often treated to a sunrise casting its glow along the horizon. Early evening brings the sunset. Each winter, winds strip our oak of its broad leaves, so we can see the full blaze of glory from our deck.

Colors, so many colors. Sunrise often brings pinks, lavenders, and pale yellows that give way to pale blue above a sea of white cotton clouds. By five oclock, the sun is going down. One night, the sky was molten hot red with streaks of fiery orange and gold. Another night, the clouds turned lavender and pink, then purple. When the sun disappeared, the sky turned indigo, then black with diamond dust tossed onto heavenly canvas.

Sunrise, sunset. Both amaze us. Each day is different, unique, rich in variant hues, with swirls of gauzy cloud designs that change shape and color by the minute all painted by the Artist as we watch in awe.