How the Psalms Help Us Discover God’s Presence in Creation (Influencers)
This Sunday, we continue our new worship series: Influencers. We’re exploring several stories from the Bible of people whose enduring faith and perseverance inspired generations. From modern-day YouTube influencers to biblical heroes, learn how God calls each of us to be influencers for His kingdom.
Guest preacher Rev. Jonathan Brake leads this week’s message, helping us discover God’s presence in creation through the eyes of the Psalmists. Rev. Brake’s powerful meditation helps us connect to God’s creation by exploring how the ancient psalms still influence us today to care for the earth.
Rev. Jonathan Brake is an ordained United Methodist minister and currently serves as the Creation Care Coordinator for the Western North Carolina Conference.
Sermon Reflections:
- Think about your own “special place” in God’s creation. What draws you to this place, and how do you experience God’s presence there? How might you intentionally return to this space more often for spiritual renewal?
- Rev. Brake describes how being still and quiet in nature allowed God’s creation to “show up” and welcome him. When have you experienced a similar transformation by simply slowing down and being present? What prevents you from practicing this kind of stillness more regularly?
- The message emphasizes that being “lords over the earth” means caring for creation rather than controlling it. How does this understanding change your perspective on environmental responsibility? What practical steps might you take to better steward God’s creation?
- Rev. Brake suggests that creation itself teaches us about God, serving as God’s “first book” before Scripture. What has creation taught you about God’s character? How might you become a better “reader” of this natural revelation?
- Recall a time when you encountered the holy through ordinary natural phenomena. How might you cultivate awareness to notice these moments more frequently?
- Consider how the ancient psalmists influence us today to reconnect with creation. Which psalm or verse about nature resonates most deeply with you? How might you use these ancient words to deepen your own relationship with God’s creation?