Masterpiece

The Strawberry Shortcake was a masterpiece. We had lunch with friends today at a local restaurant, and while we were reviewing the menu prior to ordering our food, I remarked that we should save room for the famous dessert. I had secretly been craving this particular deliciousness for a few weeks and wanted to make my pitch for acquiring it for our table. Everyone made encouraging remarks, and so I settled in with eager anticipation.

The meal was enjoyable and the conversation both witty and riveting, as is often the case with good friends who love the Lord and love each other. And the anticipation of the coming dessert was, for me, an added delight. At long last, after plates had been cleared away and take-away boxes filled, the chilled bowl arrived. There it stood, in the center of the table, a towering stack of homemade shortbread, two massive scoops of vanilla ice cream, a giant heap of cut strawberries, and running all over with a sugary, juicy glaze. The waiter, with a slight flourish, placed chilled spoons strategically around the base of the bowl and stood back while we stared in awe at the quite incredible work of art. It was magnificent. It seemed appropriate to have a moment of silent reverence for the beauty in our midst. And then, as it was especially made for our consumption, we happily dug in and devoured the entirety of it.

Experiencing something exquisitely crafted offers us a moment for either silent or expressed gratitude to the creator. Whether it be music, art, food, architecture, furniture, or a manicured lawn, there is something about excellent workmanship that speaks to us of the nature of God. He is the master designer of all we know and see, and He is the loving craftsman of our selves, body, soul and spirit.

For You created my innermost parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my formless substance;
And in Your book were written
All the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.  
How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! 
How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, 
they would outnumber the sand. 
When I awake, I am still with You.
(Psalm 139:13-18 NASB)

When I read these words, I am overwhelmed by the sovereign goodness of God. Not only did He create us, He has specific thoughts toward us, and He never leaves us alone. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NASB) We are beautifully made and intended for useful productivity in His Kingdom. Even our purpose is woven from His breathtaking wisdom. Thanks be to God.

Dear reader, as you embark upon the next few days’ journey, take time to remember that God is God and you are not. Whatever you are facing, whether it be good times or chaotic times, be still and know that He is God.

Until next week, beloved, be yielded and still in His presence.