Posted by simonmould
The Nature of Beauty
Mud, slush, fog, and rain are the typical elements that accompany the dreary parts of late winter and early spring. For us Seattleites, this is infamously typical of our miserable expectation for February and March. But 2010 has broken these typical conditions, exchanging the drab gray for some striking cobalt blue skies, along with the empty limbs of winter trees which are now breaking forth into their full adornment of an unusually early spring blossom, arresting us from our long winter doldrums.
This unexpected early arrival of the new season is announced by the abundant display of beauty that has come forth from past winter months. The exchange in the natural realm from the drab and dark days of winter to the vibrant display of spring’s beauty is a spectacular announcement of the new season. But it is in this announcement that God uses the beauty of nature to reveal the nature of His beauty. The increasing beauty that unfolds in the natural is more than a metaphor of God’s beauty; what He creates is beautiful because He Himself is beautiful. His beauty is an attribute that should stop us in our tracks, provoking us to take in the awe and majesty of His nature.
In creating earth as a suitable habitation for man, God could have provided an ordinary and utilitarian dwelling place for us, but instead He chose to adorn His provision for man with the beauty of nature. This provision of His beauty is what draws the eyes of our spirit away from seeing what is common so that we may contemplate that He is truly exceptional. There can be nothing of beauty in anything that is common or status quo. A status quo existence cannot reside in the same realm as beauty. The beauty, both of His being and of His creation reveal that He makes no room for the status quo in our place of dwelling. So in this new season, take your focus away from the status quo you may have allowed so that you may be awed by the nature of His beauty that is manifested through the beauty of nature around you.
Soul conversion has its impact with the declaration of the glory of God as revealed through the heavens and the earth. See Psalm 19:1-7. I believe when we allow the Father's creative nature, which also resides in his children to imprint our lives, we will gain tremendous transformation. Thank God for His provision of beauty, that we may truly contemplate his exceptional nature.
Tish Holt
See Ps. 19:1-7 NKJV below
19:1 ¶ <<To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.>> The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 ¶ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
Did I already tell you that I love every topics on your site ?
This is a significant piece of writing, im thankful I stumbled upon it. Ill be back in the future to check out other posts that you have on your blog.
Your explanation of nature and of our Lord using it and all it;s beauty to show and display His beauty, is awesome!