So yesterday was Earth Day, and I let it pass without giving my thoughts about the day. (I know, surprise, surprise!)
Anyway, when you search out the beginning of the earth online, you're gonna get something along the lines of: ‘the earth was formed millions of years ago by…’ or ‘the earth started out by only 2 elements…’ or ‘there was a big bang...’
As my daddy used to say…
Hogwash.
We Know How the Earth was Created
God saw fit to tell us how it happened in the very first verse of the Bible. Ten words sum it up in Genesis 1:1.
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”
God created it. He made it out of nothing. There were absolutely zero pre-existing pieces of matter or elements floating around in space. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
If this matter had such extraordinary intelligence and foresight to join and make such things that we have today, why did they stop? Why don’t we see such creations even today? What happened to their power?
The answer is straightforward. They didn’t have the power to begin with. But guess Who did? God. Guess Who still does? God.
Something to think about, huh?
What Earth Day Means to Me
When I think of the creation, I think of God’s LOVE. I think of what He has done for me. Of what He has given me. He is my Shepherd, and He loves me beyond words. Let’s read the 23rd Psalm.
Verse 1: “(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Interestingly, David refers to God as his shepherd considering that David himself was a shepherd. The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is one of deep love and care. The shepherd loves the sheep and vice versa. David sees God as his shepherd.
Verse 2: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Shepherds lead their sheep to green pastures for rest. God does the same for us, even today. He gives us rest by what He has done for us. By what He has waiting on His faithful and obedient children. This should offer rest to our souls. Even when we face storms of life, we know and can rest assured there is an end. We are led to those still waters. What a beautiful, peaceful image I have in my mind of this.
Verse 3: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” God will not forsake His children. He seeks and searches for us. He wants nothing more than for our souls to be restored. We serve our God, our Father, our loving Shepherd, who provides direction by, in, and through His Word. He leads us gently with it. His word is righteous!
Verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” God is with His children. Even in the darkest of hours, even when death's cold hand leaves us feeling alone and afraid, groping in darkness, our loving Shepherd is there to lead us and protect us! He is always there! His word comforts and protects. We can rest easy in this knowledge. David knew it. We should, as well!
Verse 5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” God is the Great Provider for His children. In due time we shall be exalted with Him. Vindicated! Our enemies will know the love and care our God, our Shepherd, has for us. Just as He comforted, protected, provided, and blessed David, He shall also do the same for us! He will be with us as long as the earth stands and carry us into eternity.
Verse 6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Every obedient, faithful child of God will have God’s goodness, comfort, and mercy as long as they continue faithfully following their Shepherd. Our Shepherd will lead us home, and we will dwell with Him for eternity!
As a Christian, this is what Earth Day and every other day is to me. It’s love. God’s love.
Period.
Are you a Christian? Or do you need to become a Christian? Please, make things right if you're not. I implore you to put God first. Your life is fleeting. Eternity is never-ending. Will you do what it takes to have an eternity in Heaven? Or will you ignore God and do what you want on this earth?
The choice is yours. Make sure it is a choice you are willing to live an eternity with.
In Christian Love,
Leah Brewer
Image by SUMITKUMAR SAHARE from Pixabay