Week Nine of Cultivate Delight, where we are actively planning our spiritual endeavors this coming week with the goal of a consistent time spent engaging our hearts with Christ in his word, in prayer, and in reflection. Below are some starting points for reflection, and I hope you find them helpful. The goal is to not rush through these and then get on with your day. Take your time and reflect throughout the week on these items. Come back often and let your heart be refreshed in the love of Christ for you.
“Most High God,
The universe with all its myriad creatures is thine,
made by thy word,
upheld by thy power,
governed by thy will.”
– Valley of Vision
Bible Reading
Psalm 60-68
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Mark 13 – Luke 1
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 9: What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is, God’ s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. (Gen. 1, Heb. 11:3)
Genesis 1:31
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (ESV)
The Scriptural proof for the doctrine of creation is not found in a single and limited portion of the Bible, but is found in every part of the Word of God. It does not consist in a few scattered passages of doubtful interpretation, but of a large number of clear and unequivocal statements, which speak of the creation of the world as a historical fact.
Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology
Prayer
The universe in its entirety was formed by your righteous and holy decree.
You spoke and it was so.
Out of nothing, you created all that is seen and unseen.
Father forgive us when we take this very truth for granted.
Forgive us when we cast our gaze upon the beauty of your sunrise
and feel nothing.
Forgive us when we look up into the heavens and see the multitude of galaxies
and credit it to chance.
Lord, there is no chance in your creation.
Everything is as it should be;
as you decreed and established.
The universe exists because you created it and made it so;
it continues because you uphold it in every moment.
Father, your creation alone should drive us to our knees in worship of you.
Yet, we find ourselves worshipping the gift of creation.
We give thanks to created things instead of the great Creator.
Stir within our hearts a humbleness that understands that we are mere creatures.
Enlighten our minds to see the vastness and beauty of this universe
and know that it is a mere reflection of your beauty and glory.
As we gaze upon this world and the beauty it contains,
teach our hearts to long for you.
Give us the desire of our heart Lord.
Give us the desire to seek the One who made all of this.
Give us the desire to worship the One who made all things good.
Give us the desire to humbly bow before our gracious and loving Creator.