Consider

by Emily
from Virtuous Daughters, October 2010~Volume 10, Number 7

​God’s creation is certainly fascinating to study! From the features of the tiniest cell to the marvels found deep in the ocean, God’s handiwork clearly reminds us that He is the Creator! As we consider what the Lord has made, it should always point us back to Him. Also, there are many lessons we can learn from observing nature. In fact, there are a few things in nature that the Bible actually tells us to consider. Let’s take a look!

First, it may be helpful to have a definition of the word consider. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as follows: To fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on, to view attentively; to observe and examine. Let’s keep this in mind as we look at the following passages!

Psalms 8:3–4 says, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Think of how big the universe is . . . and how God made it all, setting each planet in the perfect orbit, placing the sun in just the right spot, and how He “. . . hangeth the earth upon nothing” (Job 26:7). It’s amazing! And even more amazing is how God cares about, and is mindful of, each one of us! The same God who knows the names of all the stars knows our names, too! The same God who controls the paths of the celestial bodies controls our lives, and orders our steps! When you begin to doubt or worry about what may be going on in your life...remember how great our God is, and that He is in control of the entire universe.

Here’s another passage in which we’re told to consider. Proverbs 6:6–8 tells us, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Watching the ants will provide us with lessons of orderliness, diligence, preparation, and cooperation.
  Lastly, there are two more things to consider found in Luke 12:24–28. It reads, “Consider the ravens:for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Considering the ravens and the lilies reminds us of how God will provide for all our needs. As God cares for the flowers, whose worth is far less than that of a person, so He cares for us. Instead of worrying, let us trust in God and His provision! Personally, “considering the lilies” is something that I really enjoy! During high school, I was able to do a more in-depth study on botany, and through it I enjoyed learning many amazing facts about how wonderfully God created the plants. For example, a seed contains 2% water—if it had any more water in it, frozen ice crystals would damage the cells. If it had any less, the seed would dry out, and not be able to sprout! Scientists may wonder how this happened by “random chance,” but of course we know it’s because of God’s perfect design! 

As we study and enjoy the wonderful creation of God, let’s remember to give Him the glory, and praise Him for all His works! “O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.”—Psalm 104:24