Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.” (Psalm 69:34)

We like God to speak to us clearly, with easy to understand concepts and miraculous interventions. He does. All the time. The star-studded canopy above, the ocean deep, and each intricate earth-bound detail reveal continuous sound bites of his voice.

The palette of earth and sky declares his artistry. Each delicate feather, translucent leaf, or brilliant moon rise showcases the intelligent designer who created and sustains spectacular, every day wonders. His voice first brought them into existence; they still speak.

Lava rock stands adjacent to white-capped seas slapped by Hawaiian breezes beneath almond trees. The ocean batters the coastline relentlessly, an endless chorus of raging power under his supremacy. The water follows his dictate, flowing freely at his command, receding back into its assigned position, stopping precisely at the curb. He carved surprising beauty from mountains that erupted with fire, visuals for us to recognize him in our own difficult flames. 

The Savannah grass is brittle blades rising from orange brick dirt; pesky mosquitoes swarm and thrive in Kabwe, Zambia. We meet new friends in a compound dedicated to bringing the gospel to the nations of Africa and transforming their communities. These men and women inspire us with their resolve and passion to serve others regardless of the personal sacrifice involved. Gentle voices, fierce convictions, challenging words in the midst of this rugged terrain where life everlasting multiplies beneath the scarlet African sun. 

Emerald meadows with cotton white sheep sprinkled like confetti dot the pastoral landscape of Castle Comb, England. Enormous elms rise like giants with miniscule purple pansies at their gnarly feet. A waterfall trickles slowly across the meadow next to multi-colored hydrangea and lilac bushes, and the air billows fresh, clean, sweet. 

We follow God’s form and face in the rocky stretches of Israel, in the snow-dressed peaks of Switzerland, in the forest enclaves of Abkhazia near the Black Sea. We catch glimpses of his architecture in Nepal’s rugged mountains, in Jamaica’s crystal-clear seas, in Italy’s picture-perfect coastline.

Contrasting landscapes with shade and sun, as diverse as night and day, all give evidence that God is reigning over our terra firma. He offers us his magnificent world as proof of his existence and his glory. The tiniest creatures and the most dramatic sights convey his love and care for all mankind.

He waits for us to open our eyes wide and turn our face in the direction of his voice. 

Elizabeth A Mitchell

Photo Credit: Shannon Kunkle on Unsplash