God Speaks

God speaks. In fact, He has always spoken. To some he spoke audibly. Through the person of Jesus, He spoke publicly. In Psalm 19, David rejoices in the way God speaks through nature and His law. Theologians refer to these respectively as general revelation and special revelation.

Without using any words at all, God’s creation sends a message to the world. Without speech or words, the expanse of the sky proclaims there is a Creator. The light of the sun that warms the earth is dim in comparison to His radiance. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” From the flowers that break forth in spring clothed in splendor, to the intricacies of a snowflake, to the power of the ocean, creation testifies that there is Someone greater than us. And all are accountable before Him.

But creation alone is insufficient. Creation tells us He IS, but it can’t tell us WHO He is. To know Him, we need special revelation. Nature doesn’t tell us the story of the One who spoke it into existence. The One who created people, and then went to great lengths to show His love and mercy to them…that’s only found in the pages of Scripture.

Most of us are more than willing to revel in nature’s beauty and bask in God’s presence. Listen for His power as the waves crash? Sit in awe gazing at the vast heights of a mountain range? Yes, please! But read His Word, day in and day out, waiting for the Word to do its work in us? That seems far less thrilling.

David’s psalm reassures us that it’s worth it. His instruction renews our lives, makes our hearts glad, lights our eyes and makes us wise. It’s in the word of God that we find Him- and knowing the Creator is supremely better than viewing even the most stunning creation.

As we begin this new year, dreaming dreams, setting goals and making plans, will we make knowing God and the study of His word our highest aim? His ordinances are more desirable than an abundance of pure gold and sweeter than honey dripping from the comb. Do you believe it? Let’s find out together in 2024!

Trusting,

Natalie