Early one morning, my daughter and I hiked Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Sonoran desert was magnificent as it came to life in the morning light. As I stopped to cool down (the temperature was climbing steadily towards a high of 106 degrees) and catch my breath, a gila monster sunned itself on the rock in front of me. I marveled at his cream and black body, perfectly suited for this hot climate. The scenery on this hike was absolutely breathtaking and I praised God for the way he created this part of our world!!

The book of Job tells us God said in chapter 38, verses 4-5: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

Job 38:12-13 continues, “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it?” And (v 18), “Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.”

Father God, I looked and stood in awe of Your creation in that Arizona desert. You are powerful, beautiful, wise, eternal, perfect and holy. Whenever I get full of myself or caught up in my own problems, help me to stop and look at the nature around me to remind me of Your power and omnipotence. Psalm 104:24 “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom has thou made them all: the earth is full of your riches.” Amen.

Job 12:7-9, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the Hand of the Lord has done this?”