Thankful Thursday...On a Friday: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness

Today, I want to stop and reflect on one of the things I am most thankful for...the beauty all around me and the truth and goodness of God that it proclaims!!

Mr. The King and I are so grateful for the beauty of creation. Everyday, we try to make ourselves aware of God's wonderful creation that surrounds us. Whether it is a sunset, a tree, an animal, a baby, or a bolt of lightning, we try to take it all in and allow God to speak to us of His goodness and power through the beauty of what He has created.

We are blessed to live near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we so enjoy visiting the park to hike, camp, take pictures, and reflect on God's power and artistry. Every visit in every season is so different and special. God speaks to us so profoundly as we sit or walk quietly in the mountains, and when we are too busy to make it to the mountains, we yearn for that special time to commune with God in that beautiful peaceful setting.

The Bible tells us that because of all that God created, we have proof of His truth and goodness. So many people in this world do not recognize this truth. They worship the created rather than the creator and they don't give a second thought to God. We are told in Romans 1, that the world has no excuse for suppressing the truth and not thanking or honoring God for what they have been given, because all of creation speaks of His truth.

Romans 1:18-23, 25

 ¹⁸ But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. ¹⁹ They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. ²⁰ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

 ²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. ²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. ²³ And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

 ²⁵ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 

Wow! That seems a bit harsh, doesn't it? But, it is the truth!! God has made the truth of who He is so obvious to us through the world around us. Even the way our own body works speaks to us of God's awesome power. God has made His invisible qualities so clear, yet we so often can not see Him. We treat the miraculous gift of life as an everyday norm, nothing spectacular. We deny the power of God, we don't thank Him, we don't praise and glorify Him for the marvelous gift of life all around us, and we end up worshiping things instead the Creator of All Things!!

Oh, Lord, lift the veil from our eyes!! Help us to see your beauty, truth, and goodness all around us! Help us to hear what you have to say to us through all that you have created. We say that all things were created for us to enjoy, but actually all things were created to give You glory. May we ascribe to You the glory, honor and praise due to Your name for the gift of life and beauty, and may we see Your beauty, creativity, and power even in a storm cloud. May we never deny Your power and Your authority, but instead be thankful for all that you have done for us and submit to Your will and Your plans for us!

When I was a student at Carson-Newman College, we had a school hymn that was written based on the words inscribed on the school seal: Beauty, Truth and Goodness. This hymn that we would often sang was called, God of Beauty, Truth, and Goodness. I love the words of this hymn and I want to share them with you, as I thank God for the beauty, truth and goodness that He give to us each day

God of Beauty Truth and Goodness

God of beauty, truth and goodness, Lord of wisdom yet unknown

Grant us strength to match the vision, As we come before your throne.

Refrain

Stand for truth and cry for justice, Share with those who don't belong

And remember as you serve them, sing for those who have no song.

Refrain 

Run with faith and live for honor, bearing witness in His call

As disciples, build the future, until Chris is Lord of all. 

Refrain

Make a joyful celebration, God in Christ has conquered death

If you really are a witness, sing until you have no breath. 

Refrain

Refrain:

Sing a joyful Alleluia, Praising God in all You do

And remember as you witness, God is singing over you