The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship. (Psalms 19:1, NLT)
Often in the afternoon when I’m free, I go for a bike ride to the beach. Winter is the rainy season, which means the sky is often filled with clouds. Because days are shorter I get to witness incredible sunsets at a convenient time.
Most of the afternoons I stand looking at the painting God has made and see it change in front of my eyes. Soon the sun dives into the sea and the sky bursts out last vivid colors until it all gradually fades away.
Technology helps me to have proof of my regular statements that I’ve witnessed the most beautiful sunset. After seeing the pictures my friends agree.
Can it be that God creates amazing art for us to enjoy at the moment? Human art makes us seek refuge in the past or in an imaginable place where we find what we lack at the moment.
I often work for my future or live in the past memories. When God touches my heart with the amazement of His glory, I’m reminded of the present moment. Here and now is where I am.
Sunsets are the highlights of my bike rides, although it would be enough to pedal forward without looking around. I would get the exercise I needed and would come back home with lungs full of fresh air.
Yet, my heart needs more.
Temporary paintings by God are filled with emotions for me to explore. They tell me how someone feels. When I look close enough, I think I can make out emotions in the clouds and hear God’s thoughts in the colors of the sky.
God doesn't want me to live my life without seeing the beauty and wonders. I wouldn’t see them if I weren’t looking. I wouldn’t find them if I weren’t searching.
Now I see that I’m found.
I take sunsets as personal postcards mailed straight from my Father in Heaven. These incredible sights were not created for someone else, and I just happened to stumble upon them accidentally. No, God in His love gave them to me to enjoy, and I received them personally, knowing that.
Why does God not preserve His masterpieces? The art of the Author is temporary because it has to tell the full story of His immeasurable glory. That’s why one masterpiece is not enough.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard. (Psalms 19:2–3, NLT)
