God Speaks Through And Moves Within Creation
Over 55 times the Lord God speaks, literally and figuratively using His created world. As I ponder these verses I am filled with awe and wonder at the power He possesses and the manner in which it is displayed in what He has created. Blazing and devouring fire, thunder, lightning, consuming tempests, earthquakes and pillars of clouds that cover an entire mountain go before Him and surround him. And yet, at other times His glory is expressed through a rainbow, a gentle wind or a dove.
As we read these verses, it may spark fear towards a God who can wield such devastating power and destruction and frankly, that may be troubling to some of us who are more comfortable with the tune “What a friend we have in Jesus” My encouragement is that God is sovereign. We don’t always understand God’s ways. There are times when power, destruction and even complete annihilation are required because sin has become so offensive to God’s holy nature. And there are times, when what is broken no longer and obedient to God’s perfect laws, needs to be re-created and for that to happen, he must first destroy the old. The miracle is that God doesn’t treat us, or our planet, as we deserve or repay us according to our inequities, that he won’t always accuse or display his anger forever. That he has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west and that as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. Reverent fear isn’t a bad thing. It puts into perspective who we are and who He is .And it stirs up within us tremendous gratitude for Jesus, who is our substitute, our shield, protecting us from the consequences of our sin by paying the price Himself. Yes, indeed, we sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus” without whom God’s wrath would be poured out upon us.
Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to show you how the Lord has spoken in the past and how He is still speaking today. Ask Him to restore your sense of awe and holy fear for your Creator, that you might know the joy of revering Him as he deserves and thanking Jesus for his sacrifice.
| 1 Chronicles 16:30-33 NIV | Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! 33 Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+16%3A30-33&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 14:7-8 | All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing. Even the junipers and the cedars of Lebanon gloat over you and say, “Now that you have been laid low, no one comes to cut us down. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+14%3A7-8&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 23:4 | Be ashamed, Sidon, and you fortress of the sea,for the sea has spoken:“I have neither been in labor nor given birth;I have neither reared sons nor brought up daughters.” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+23%3A4&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 35:1-2 | The desert and the parched land will be glad;the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;they will see the glory of the Lord,the splendor of our God. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+35%3A1-2&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 42:10 | Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise from the ends of the earth,you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,you islands, and all who live in them. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42%3A10&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 43:19-21 | See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland.20 The wild animals honor me,the jackals and the owls,because I provide water in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen,21 the people I formed for myselfthat they may proclaim my praise. | |
| Isaiah 44:23 | Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this;shout aloud, you earth beneath.Burst into song, you mountains,you forests and all your trees,for the Lord has redeemed Jacob,he displays his glory in Israel. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+44%3A23&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 49:15 | Shout for joy, you heavens;rejoice, you earth;burst into song, you mountains!For the Lord comforts his peopleand will have compassion on his afflicted ones. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49%3A13&version=NIV |
| Isaiah 55:12-13 | You will go out in joyand be led forth in peace;the mountains and hillswill burst into song before you,and all the trees of the fieldwill clap their hands.13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.This will be for the Lord’s renown,for an everlasting sign,that will endure forever.” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A12-13&version=NIV |
| Jeremiah 51:48 | Then heaven and earth and all that is in themwill shout for joy over Babylon,for out of the northdestroyers will attack her,”declares the Lord. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+51%3A48&version=NIV |
| Job 12:7-10 | “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,or let the fish in the sea inform you.9 Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this?10 In his hand is the life of every creatureand the breath of all mankind. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+12%3A7-10&version=NIV |
| Job 26:7-14 NIV | He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” | http://bible.com/111/job.26.7-14.NIV |
| Nehemiah 9:6 NIV | You alone are the Lord . You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+9:6&version=NIV |
| Psalm 19:1-6 NIV | The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+19%3A1-6&version=NIV |
| Psalm 33:7-15 NIV | 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];he puts the deep into storehouses.8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;let all the people of the world revere him.9 For he spoke, and it came to be;he commanded, and it stood firm.10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,the people he chose for his inheritance.13 From heaven the Lord looks downand sees all mankind;14 from his dwelling place he watchesall who live on earth—15 he who forms the hearts of all,who considers everything they do | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+33%3A7-15&version=NIV |
| Psalm 46:6-10 | Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done,the desolations he has brought on the earth.9 He makes wars ceaseto the ends of the earth.He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;he burns the shields[a] with fire.10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+46%3A6-10&version=NIV |
| Psalma 47:7 | For God is the King of all the earth;sing to him a psalm of praise. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+47%3A7&version=NIV |
| Psalm 48:10 | Like your name, O God,your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;your right hand is filled with righteousness. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+48%3A10&version=NIV |
| Psalm 50:6 | And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,for he is a God of justice. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+50%3A6&version=NIV |
| Psalm 65:5-13 NIV | You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. | http://bible.com/111/psa.65.5-13.NIV |
| Psalm 66 | For the director of music. A song. A psalm.1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth!2 Sing the glory of his name;make his praise glorious.3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!So great is your powerthat your enemies cringe before you.4 All the earth bows down to you;they sing praise to you,they sing the praises of your name.”[a] | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+66%3A1-4&version=NIV |
| Psalm 69:34 | Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+69%3A34&version=NIV |
| Psalm 89 5-13 | The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord ? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord , are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. | http://bible.com/111/psa.89.5-12.NIV |
| Psalm 90:2 | Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. | https://psalm.bible/psalm-90-2 |
| Psalm 93:1-4 | The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.2 Your throne was established long ago;you are from all eternity. 3 The seas have lifted up, Lord,the seas have lifted up their voice;the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+93%3A1-4&version=NIV |
| Psalm 96 | 1 Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth.2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;proclaim his salvation day after day.3 Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;he is to be feared above all gods.5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,but the Lord made the heavens.6 Splendor and majesty are before him;strength and glory are in his sanctuary.7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;bring an offering and come into his courts.9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness;tremble before him, all the earth.10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;he will judge the peoples with equity.11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;let the sea resound, and all that is in it.12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world in righteousnessand the peoples in his faithfulness | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+96&version=NIV |
| Psalm 97:1-6 | 1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;let the distant shores rejoice.2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3 Fire goes before himand consumes his foes on every side.4 His lightning lights up the world;the earth sees and trembles.5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all peoples see his glory. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+97%3A1-6&version=NIV |
| Psalm 98:4-9 | Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,burst into jubilant song with music;5 make music to the Lord with the harp,with the harp and the sound of singing,6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,the world, and all who live in it.8 Let the rivers clap their hands,let the mountains sing together for joy;9 let them sing before the Lord,for he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world in righteousnessand the peoples with equity. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+98%3A4-9&version=NIV |
| Psalm 103:22 | Praise the Lord , all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord , all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord , my soul. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103%3A22&version=NIV |
| Psalm 113:3-6 NIV | From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? | http://bible.com/111/psa.113.3-6.NIV |
| Psalm 119:89-90 NIV | Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. | http://bible.com/111/psa.119.89-90.NIV |
| Psalm 145:8-11 | 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and rich in love.9 The Lord is good to all;he has compassion on all he has made.10 All your works praise you, Lord;your faithful people extol you.11 They tell of the glory of your kingdomand speak of your might,12 so that all people may know of your mighty actsand the glorious splendor of your kingdom. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A8-16&version=NIV |
| Psalm 145:21 | My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.Let every creature praise his holy namefor ever and ever. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A21&version=NIV |
| Psalm 148:1-13 NIV | Praise the Lord . Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord , for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord , for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. | http://bible.com/111/psa.148.1-13.NIV |
| Psalm 150:6 NIV | Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord . | https://psalm.bible/psalm-150-6 |
| Luke 19:40 | “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A40&version=NIV |
| Matthew 12:40 | For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+12%3A40&version=NIV |
| Rev 12:12 | Therefore rejoice, you heavensand you who dwell in them!But woe to the earth and the sea,because the devil has gone down to you!He is filled with fury,because he knows that his time is short.” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A12&version=NIV |
| Rev 5:13 | Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lambbe praise and honor and glory and power,for ever and ever!” | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5%3A13&version=NIV |
| Romans 8:18 | For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A18&version=NIV |
