The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalms 19:1-4, NIV)
I recently played in a two-day member-guest in Tyler, and I was fortunate enough to stay at my partner’s ranch house after the first round.
I live in a big city, so we don’t get the luxury of seeing stars at night. Arriving at Bill’s place that Friday evening, I was awestruck by the tapestry in the sky. While trying to comprehend the sheer volume illuminating the dark, I was reminded of the word of the Lord to Abram: “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them” (Genesis 15:5).
As I woke up surrounded by East Texas pines, I started Saturday sipping coffee on the back porch and soaking in the tranquility of the terrain. Basking in his creation, I was reminded the Creator doesn’t need words to speak to us.
And yet, in a humorous twist, I opened the Bible app on my phone to reveal today’s scripture as the verse of the day on that soul-refreshing morning. God was using his inspired word to remind me that he doesn’t need to use words. Ha!
That 10-hour window of time was a poignant reminder: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
I’m grateful we had a late tee time that Saturday morning, as it allowed me the time to sit and listen. Birds chirping. Water rippling. Wind whistling. “The work of his hands.” It felt good to “be still, and know that (he is) God” (Psalm 46:10).
So why is it so hard to do just that? Could it be that we mindlessly pack our schedules and fill our heads with our own thoughts rather than God’s?
One of my favorite church signs reads, “The devil isn’t afraid of a dusty Bible.” Here’s what I can tell you. When I am consistent in reading Scripture, my antennas get better reception to hear God speaking.
Sometimes, it’s the clue in a friend’s speech that he or she is in pain. Maybe it’s realizing a closing door is leading to a new opportunity. Sometimes, it’s time spent in nature being awed by God’s wordless omnipotence.
Conversely, when I’m not in God’s word, my reception is limited, and I usually tune into what’s negative surrounding me. I’m a little embarrassed it took the still and quiet of undeveloped acreage in East Texas to get my attention. Yet again.
Prayer: Lord, we want to hear from you. Give us the ears to hear, and may the eyes of our hearts be enlightened to your glory.