Pause, Ponder, and Praise
Debra Pierce (Massachusetts, USA)

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. - Psalm 111:2 (NIV)



Several years ago, on a sunny afternoon in June, I was walking past a pond near some woods. I’ve walked past this pond on multiple occasions, but on this particular day, I paused to ponder God’s creation. The first thing I heard and saw was a red-winged blackbird making a musical sound while swaying on a cattail reed. Then I observed a mourning dove sitting on a nest in a small sycamore tree that was leaning out over the water. The dove’s grayish-brown plumage provided perfect camouflage from predators. On the water’s surface, pond lilies crowned with white blossoms and cinnamon fern sheltered a female mallard duck.

As I stood pondering these natural wonders, I marveled that God created all of them. Each plant and bird was evidence of God’s creativity. And the beauty and diversity of creation delighted me and inspired my praise. Taking time to observe God’s creation is one way we worship. It pleases God when we pause, ponder, and offer praise for all the beauty that surrounds us.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Creator God, thank you for all your wondrous works. Forgive us when we take your beautiful creation for granted. Amen.



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TODAY'S READING
Psalm 104:24-31


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Taking time to ponder creation inspires me to praise God.


PRAYER FOCUS
To appreciate God’s creation