Seeing the splendour of creation from the sky

For me, nothing speaks of the power, might and majesty of God like the wonder of creation.

I’m fortunate that I live with the Lake District on my doorstep. From the lakes and mountains to the individual birds and flowers, so much of what I’m regularly able to immerse myself in speaks of His wondrous ways, His care and precision, and the fact that He was interested enough in each thing He created to spend time and energy making it to its own unique design. But even in a Lakeland valley surrounded by the mountains reaching to the sky, or 3,000ft up looking over the lakes below, it’s only possible to gain a small snapshot of God’s glory and goodness.

I was fortunate enough to go on holiday last week and that meant flying. Being thousands of feet up in the air provides an amazing perspective that, albeit still on a tiny, tiny scale, gives a glimpse into more of the vastness of God’s creation.

Taking off and watching the immense tapestry of fields and forests shrinking away into the distance highlights the gigantic proportions of the world – and the universe – that God has created. Flying high above the clouds and looking down on the many different formations demonstrates the diversity of God’s design. Even something as simple as a cloud can com in so many shapes and sizes.

The timing of our flight meant we were able to witness the precious moments as day turned towards night. A picturesque highlight of golden yellow, orange and red light spreading across the light blue sky until finally the light blue gives way to a deeper hue that heads towards the black of night. For me, it is impossible to experience these things and not be pointed to the amazing skill and intricacy of the great designer of all things.

And I also find it impossible to admire these things without being amazed. Amazed, yes, that He created things of such beauty. But amazed also that, in a world in which He had already created so much and which held so much incomparable beauty, that He chose to create me. In a world of seven billion people, He felt there was a place and a role for me – and for you. In fact, He knows He has a place and a role for me whether I know it or not. And, because He had a place and a role for me, I get the privilege of being able to experience His creation, and to experience the creator in and through it.

Psalm 146 verse 6 tells us, “He is the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – He remains faithful forever.” The psalm goes on to highlight how He upholds the oppressed, feeds the hungry, watches over the foreigner and sustains the widow and the fatherless.  In many of these things He does His work through the hands and feed of people He has called to serve His purposes. Verse 10 tells us, “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.”

Looking at this creation from the air, it’s truly humbling and a great honour to know I can praise Him and serve Him who created all things.

Psalm 145, verses 4-7 says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty – and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works – and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”

May I never tire of commending God’s works to others, meditating on His wonderful works, telling of their power, proclaiming His great deeds, celebrating His abundant goodness and joyfully singing of His righteousness.

Sarah Moore is the author of For the Love of Lentil, A journey of longing, loss and abundant grace, which tells the story of her experience of pregnancy and miscarriage. Copies of the book are available here.