God is Always Speaking.
Our God reveals Himself to us in many ways. The primary ways that I hear the voice of God is through His creation, through his written word, and by the whispers of the Holy Spirit to my heart.
Today's message is about the first of these three ways God speaks to me. It will be followed by two more messages this week where I'll talk about the second and third ways.
God Speaks Through His Creation.
The Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn finished his masterpiece “The Creation,” in 1798. This masterful musical treasure tells the story of God creating the world as recorded in Genesis and other books of the Bible. The last performance of the work Haydn was able to attend was in 1808, where he was so weak and frail that they carried him, with great honor, in an armchair. When the audience broke into spontaneous applause at the coming of “light,” Haydn weakly pointed upwards and said: "Not from me -- everything comes from up there!"
To listen to part of Haydn's "Creation" click here.
The Credit Belongs to God.
Haydn’s lyrics were taken directly word for word from the Bible, and He gave honor and credit to God for inspiring His works. One of the most famous parts of “The Creation” comes from Psalm 19:1-4:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
Haydn’s powerful music reflects the truth that all creation is recounting how great God is at all times. As we look at the intricacy and design in creation, we see the fingerprints of the creator. Paul even says in Romans 1:20 that God has revealed himself through nature sufficiently that men are without an excuse to recognize Him as the creator.
As we learn the postures of slowing, silence and solitude, we are wise to seek our creator God in the cathedral of nature. So many of us feel the close presence of God next to a mountain stream, with our feet in the surging waves of the ocean, or sitting on a rock overlooking a painted evening sky.
A doctor friend of mine told me recently that he is trying to “bring back camping” to solve some of the medical problems he treats in his office. He sees the restorative power of “the heavens telling us about the greatness of God.”
While dusting off the tent and camping gear may be just what the doctor ordered for your weary soul, you don’t have to load up and drive for hours to benefit from God’s cathedral of revelation.
The Creator Is Revealed Through His Creation.
Reformed thinker R.C. Sproul says,
“A knowledge of the invisible God is revealed to us through that which is visible. The creation itself screams out the reality of the creator.”
When I walk through our beautiful park, take a drive through blooming almond trees, or sit next to the creek, it seems that it helps me to hear the voice of God more clearly.
Even famous conservationist, John Muir remarked,
“In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
In 2008 I wrote a song entitled, "Still Small Voice" about God speaking to us. The lyrics are written to express God's perspective.
The words of the chorus:
The heavens are telling the story
Of my magnificent glory
The earth quakes, creation shakes
at the sound of my name
My voice is calling out
To calm your fear and doubt
My works are on display
To strengthen your faith
So listen to what I have to say
You can hear this song "Still Small Voice" by clicking here.
Where in nature will you go this week to listen for God’s voice?
I look forward to seeing you in church this week. Our Sunday Worship Service in the Dome begins at 10:00 a.m.
You can also live stream our 10:00 a.m. service on Facebook and YouTube.
If you missed last week's message Unforced Rhythms of Grace #6 - "The Posture of Listening" click here.
Need encouragement? Text the word Encourage to 530.296.3689 to receive an encouraging scripture or quote from me several times a week that is sent right to your phone.
Leaders and potential leaders: you can text Lead to 530.296.3689 to receive a thought, quote, or a challenge from me several days a week regarding leadership.
