Email devotion for 9/27

In God’s hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. Psalm 95:4 

Worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water. Revelation 14:7

Water is on all of our minds lately. Water is essential to life – we are made up of 60-70% water, as are other animals. Fish need water to breathe in. swim in and to get their food. We can only live a few days without water. Currently we are seeing droughts, the worst in a long time. The Mississippi is so low that the salt water from the Gulf is able to move up toward New Orleans. Other places have too much water – from reservoirs breaking and from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Then we read the words of Psalm 95: From the depths of the earth to the tallest of mountains and everything in between – God has all this in His hand. Revelation echoes this – God made heaven and earth, the oceans and the springs of water. All that we see from the tiniest insects and birds to the giant elephants and towering redwoods is from the hand of our Creator. He continues to care for creation for us His creatures.

Rev. Maltbie Babcock used to take walks telling his wife that he was going out to see “My Father’s world. After his death, at 42, his wife published some of his poems, including the familiar hymn. Two of his poems sixteen lines:

This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

Set to music by his friend who named the tune, Terra Beata, blessed earth.

Extravagant Creator, your generosity knows no bounds. Help us to take good care of your wondrous creation. May we each take time today to stand still, look around, and take in some of the beauty you share with us in nature and each other.  Amen.

Chris Gabel