How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small....All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

Chapter 16: Pages 210-220, Psalm 104

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small....All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time.  When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. Psalm 104:24-25, 27-28

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 2 "Providence Over Nature" - moving to chapter sixteen "The Loss and Recovery of a Theater of Wonders". 

Here, Piper makes it clear that nature is not a mechanical being that was created and runs on its own.  Instead he describes "a picture of God creating, sustaining, owning, and governing the world of nature....[God's] providence is not...by proxy, but instead present and hands on[.]  Piper draws on multiple scriptural examples (including Colossians 1:16-17) but most extensively uses Psalm 104.  

For those believers tempted to lean on science to explain the natural world, including creation, Piper warns: "woe to us if we follow the secular spirit of the age into a frame of mind where God is out of sight, out of mind, and out of our everyday conversation about the wonders of growing grass."

Piper then wants us to understand that nature was created and exists "for the sake of [God's] enjoyment.  Piper draws attention to much of the natural world that humans don't ever even get to see: ...[it] is not wasted, the angels grasp some of.  Someday we may grasp more of it.  But God grasps and rejoices in all of it."

Finally, Piper wants us to understand that nature and the created universe is not just for the sake of God but also for the enjoyment of His people (for our praises of His glory of course).

I am reminded of an excellent book on Creation by Grant Jeffrey - Creation: Remarkable Evidence of God's Design. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who's creation is incredible and worthy of my praise for Your glory.  I see it daily and I marvel of Your works.  Thank You Jesus for providing creation - I am undeserving that You would provide creation and the infinite number of blessings You provide!  I worry...PLEASE forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.