To See the Glory

The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all peoples see His glory. – (Psalm 97:6, NIV)

The skies tell about His goodness, and the nations see His glory. – (Psalm 97:6, ERV)

The heavens announce that He’ll set everything right, and everyone will see it happen – glorious! – (Psalm 97:6, MSG)

God’s goodness is evident for all to see, if only we take the time to look around. Each sunrise and sunset, each living and growing thing that His hands have made, the stars in the sky and the oceans below – all demonstrate the goodness and glory of God. It is impossible to look at all that God has made and not know that there is someone far greater than us. His glory shines with the rising of the sun, and His majesty is made evident as He paints the night sky with the lingering light of the setting sun. Galaxies twinkle and the moon illuminates the darkness. With as much beauty as there is now, there is much yet to come. May we witness His majesty through all that His hands have made, and praise Him for the hope held in all that is yet to come.

The goodness of God,

Much more than we see;

All that exists now,

And hope yet to be.

The light of His love,

Announced in the sky;

Such beauty beheld,

Each day and each night.

All praise be to God,

Creator of all;

Faithful and loving,

Answers when we call.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the heavens declare Your glory and goodness, and that all can see what Your mighty hands have made. Thank You that we gain but a glimpse of who You are through the beauty of Your creation. Forgive us for not recognizing all the goodness that surrounds us that You have intentionally made. Teach us to give praise in awe and wonder, for Your love and glory go far beyond what we can see or understand. Lead us to love those around us with Your never-ending love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You in wonder of the beauty of all that You have made. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Philippians 4:19

Gaze at the Glory

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – (Psalm 19:1, NIV) 

The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what His hands have made. – (Psalm 19:1, ERV) 

God’s splendor is a tale that is told; His testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks of His story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing His skill in creation’s craftsmanship. – (Psalm 19:1, TPT) 

Even in the midst of all that is going on in the world, the evidence of God remains. All it takes is a glimpse of a sunrise or sunset, or to gaze at the moon and stars in all of their splendor, to be reminded of God’s glory. The same hands that paint the glorious array of colors and hung the stars in their place, holds each of us in the hollow of His hand. God, in His great love for us, created beauty for us to see. He knows us each by name, and designed each person with intention. There is a plan and a purpose for all of us; and as we seek Him, He is faithful to make His plans known.  

Today, as I prepare for my last day of work for the school year, and ready myself for my boys’ graduation, I am ever aware of God’s faithfulness to carry us through. His splendor is told through His presence that has carried us throughout the years, and brought us to this important milestone. Many times, over the last few years, I have watched the sunrise, and have been shown His goodness and faithfulness through the glorious array of colors awakening the sky. Tomorrow, following the broadcast version of the boys’ graduation, (recording of each student walking in cap and gown, as well as the recorded speakers), we will be driving to see my mom, for the first time since the shutdown began. Though we will not be able to embrace and interact as we normally would, we are grateful that we can go and lay eyes on her for ourselves, and visit, masked and physically distanced. One of the things that stood out to me, is one of my boys made a point to tell me that he wanted to wake up early enough to watch the sunrise while we are there, as he has fond memories of sitting together with mom in her living room, watching together in awe. He too, knows of the faithfulness of God, and His goodness that greets us anew every morning. It has not been an easy road, particularly during this pandemic with school closed, yet we have seen and known God’s goodness throughout. The work of God’s hands are tangible reminders that He is good and He is faithful. May we gaze at the glory of God’s creation, and know His faithfulness and love. 

We look to the sky, 

And God’s love is clear; 

Such beauty beheld, 

As we know He’s near. 

The very same hands, 

That painted the sky; 

Made us with purpose, 

Gave us wings to fly. 

Created, equipped, 

To go forth and rise; 

To love and be loved, 

It’s how we’re designed. 

Lay hold of the gifts, 

Birthed deep within you; 

Boldly walk forward, 

Embrace each step new. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need only look up to be reminded of who You are and how You love. Thank You for the tangible evidence of Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we have made You too small. Teach us to pause and look up, making us ever aware of Your goodness, faithfulness and love. Show us how to love one another in the way that You intended; valuing, celebrating, encouraging and lifting each other up, so that Your love would be evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the beauty that surrounds us and reminds us of Your unending love for all. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11