Many of us grew up to George Beverly Shea singing this beloved hymn on the Billy Graham Crusades that used to air on television. For some this may have been our introduction to this hymn and even to Christianity itself. The hymn is a blending of Creator and Savior. It begins with the power of the universe and ends with the power of Christ’s return.

We will be looking at the second verse this time rather than verse three. When I led singing in the small church we attended, sadly this was the verse I omitted

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; [Refrain]

There are times we are struck by the beauty of the earth and the wonder of God’s creation. As we have traveled the highways of America, or any other country, we cannot miss the stunning beauty that is all around us. Of course, it is better to get off the highways to really see the sights. I have stood on the shores of lakes and the Gulf of Mexico and listened to the waves and the water. There is a difference of course in the power of the two. I have seen the tragic power of the aftermath of a hurricane before me and looked at the water behind me calm and peaceful. He lets us know something beyond ourselves exists, something greater.

There is strength in mountains. I enjoy visiting state parks and taking their hiking trails. I am not a backpacker mountain climber. So, I content myself by taking the trail I can and tell myself I will work up to the more challenging ones. Still, I have viewed some beautiful sites. There are almost always vistas to look out over. Maybe wildlife to spot. A hushed moment of peace if you take the time to observe it. Again in these wooded areas we know there is something greater than ourselves in the strength and solidity of the trees and the abundance of life.

Paul in the book of Romans touches this in chapter one when he writes,

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20 NASB)

You see when we look at nature, we are without excuse for not believing in the God of Creation. He proves his existence by what we see in the natural world. The fact that this is the only planet in our solar system that can sustain life is enough to give us pause of a greater design. Not just life but thriving life. Science will try to tell us that these things happened by accident. Really. I don’t think so. From deep within the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench on earth to the top of Mt Everest, the highest point on earth, life can be found.

Not convinced by the natural order of creation and an earth teeming with life? Ok then let’s look just a little beyond our planet. Look at sunrises or sun sets. They are spectacular and stunning. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis? I’ve heard it’s a breathtaking sight. Just a few years ago we had a total solar eclipse, and the best viewing was to be where I live. Schools dismissed, the place where I work shut down and we all prepared to what the show. We were not disappointed. If you ever have the chance to watch a total solar eclipse don’t miss it. It is a profound experience. There are the long moments of waiting for the total moment when the special glasses can come off and morning and night are beheld side by side. The temperature drops and a special twilight falls over the land. It is spellbinding and unforgettable. It leaves no doubt there is a Creator who does all things well.

Whether you are looking from a mountain top over valleys below or standing by the seaside you realize how small you are and how great God is. In each of these instances, our soul wells up with something beyond ourselves. Something we can’t quite put into words. But someone did many years ago. He put words to that feeling and we still sing them today.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, How Great thou art….

Angela