God's Characteristics are Seen Through His Creation
Day 3
by Gini Crawford, MSW
9/30/2019
Seeing God in creation
The purpose of this devotional on God's love is to enable you to get to know the One True God and His acts of love. One of the ways we will do this is to study God's characteristics, which we will do throughout this devotional. Romans 1:20 teaches us that God's character, or Who He is, is seen and understood by the things that He has made. When God's words went forth to create, His love for us was very much on His mind.
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV®
I believe one of the reasons people enjoy outdoorsy things such as hiking and biking is, it brings them closer to God, whether they understand that or not. It's not exactly a personal knowing of God, but certainly one of sight (Psalm 111:2,4). A mountain is a good example of seeing God's characteristics in His creation. Looking at the grandeur of a mountain, or standing on top of it, gives you a view that is simply breath taking, doesn't it? It gives you a visual rendering of God's wondrous greatness, and an awareness of a power that is beyond ours. When you see creation - the infinite stars, the immense ocean, captivating flowers, a spectacular sunset, the fireworks of lightening, a delightful bird, a sleeping baby - there is a recognition something bigger, more powerful, and wonderful is out there. God's creation can without a doubt open our eyes and hearts to Him. (Psalm 36:5-7).
Does God's creation make you want to know Him?
Many people will think the mountain just evolved. But reality is, God put physical laws in place at creation that allowed our earth to still build beauty as it changes. God allows His goodness to flourish even though the caustic effects of sin weigh heavy upon this world. (Psalm 136:4; Romans 8:28).
God's characteristics explained
God's characteristics are whatever He has in any way revealed as being true about Himself through His Word. His characteristics, as well as His names, describe Who He is. It is imperative we know that all God's characteristics and names fill His whole being and act together. God's whole being is kind, so He is never unkind. God is merciful, which means He will always give you sympathy and compassion.
We will cover these characteristics of God in this devotional: self-existence, all powerful, eternal, the source of life, sovereign, holy, righteous, just, merciful, good, patient, gracious, unchanging, faithful, truth, all knowing, all wise, always with you, all seeing, all hearing, incomprehensible, kind, forgiving, and all loving. Some characteristics will be detailed a lot more than others. If you want a devotional just on God's characteristics, read my daily devotional, The One True God - His Characteristics and Names.
Life Application
Ask God to help you see Him in creation
When you are taking your daily walk or run, driving somewhere, watching kids, or perhaps just taking some time to enjoy nature, ask God to allow you to see Him in the world around you. I count myself privileged to have watched my grandkids weekly for many years. During those times I was reminded of God's most precious handiwork, children. Children seem to just naturally give unconditional love, which is definitely God's type of love. Read Psalm 111:1-4, 121:1-2, 136:1-9.
Write down what God has shown you about Himself in His creation.
Reflect on Romans 1:20 today.
If you are doing this study in a group setting, be ready to share your creation experience with God in your group.