The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. —Psalm 19:1 NIV
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God!
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works
Thy hands have made.
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art! …
—Author: Carl Boberg (1886); Translator: Stuart K. Hine (1949)
I first heard this beautiful hymn in 1954, sung by George Beverly Shea, at a Billy Graham crusade in England. My husband, Ray, and I were singing in the choir, and this hymn has inspired me over the years: hearing it, playing it on the piano, and especially singing it at church with many voices and the glorious melody. I am singing it in my heart now!
God has given us amazing beauty—look out at the night and see the stars, sparkling in endless glory, the work of God our Creator! I wrote this in September when I get up early each morning and look out our east window. It is still dark enough to see the stars, so many, and the morning star, Venus, faithfully there each day. Sometimes I can also see a crescent moon and Jupiter above. I gaze in wonder and truly praise the Lord.
Let us give thanks for the beauty of the skies, for all that God has created. While I was writing this article, I was treated to yet another glory in the sky. Glancing out that window again, I saw my favorite sight: a beautiful rainbow! It wasn’t even raining! We saw the whole arch, from end to end, with brilliant colors, and even a faint one just above, a perfect reflection. Thank you, Lord, for giving us a glimpse of your glory. Joy!
God created all this beauty. And He created you and me. He loves each one of us. He gave His life on the cross to redeem us. He is always with us, to comfort, to guide. May we remember to share Him with others, living kindly, showing love, and caring at all times.
Now, as we begin a new year, what does this new year hold for you and me? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Sometimes, I do, and forget or break them in a few days! Let us ask the Lord to show us what He wants us to do. Is there someone I can help? A note to show I care? How can I bring love and caring to someone? Even when we are limited by age or health or circumstances, we can do little things that bring a smile to someone.
Lord, we praise You for this wonderful world, for all You have made, and for Jesus, our Savior. Help us, please, to share Your love with others, to pray and praise, and to be what You want us to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband just celebrated 70 years of marriage! They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret played the piano for many years as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon.
Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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