Romans 1:19-20
For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.
Have you ever had an unexpected moment in which you experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. We sometimes call them God moments but we all agree it is a moment that feels divine and connected through one of our senses. It is often experienced in nature as we listen and see God’s glorious creation. Often it is experienced when we are in nature. We may be hiking or walking and our focus is not on schedules and timelines. We are more open and receptive to the world around us when we are not distracted. We look up to see an unusual and gorgeous sunset with the sky painted in glorious and joyful colors. Or we may see a deep blue sky with fluffy white clouds with a golden shaft of sunlight shining down as though it is a blessing direct from heaven. It is not just the beauty of what we see that jolts us. It is the awareness of God in that experience that transcends our usual daily experiences. Romans 1:19 explains it this way. When God created us, “he put this knowledge in their hearts.” In the process of creation, God not only made his creation with infinite beauty and complexity. He also put that knowledge in each of us. He was doing everything to be sure that we would always see and feel his love and recognize it when we see it.
We humans don’t make anything easy. The beauty and awe of the world around us, should be a constant reminder. But God loved us and understood us and he knew we would forget, lose focus, and be distracted. He put that knowledge in us so that even in our distraction, we would recognize the moment and he could reach us in love.
So, God not only created our beautiful and complex world, he gave us our senses to fully experience our world and to respond. He gave us this knowledge so when we are moved by what God has blessed us with, we feel moved to respond in joy, gratitude and love, recognizing and responding as we experience his creation. God knew us so well, that he took extra steps to insure we would recognize and feel that connection to him and to one another.
God of infinite love and compassion, we thank you for the many ways you offer us to truly connect with you and the rest of your creation. Amen.
-Paula Mitchell