“The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” a Henry Scougal quote (from The Life of God in the Soul of Man ), quoted by John Piper in The Pleasures of God.

I had my post written last night and wanted to publish it this morning. When I got up this morning, the post from last night sounded lame – so I deleted its content and started from scratch…

I am so thankful that Laurel gave us a couple of hints with this quote. I really liked what she said on Sunday: “2. Scougal suggests that your worth and character are ultimately determined by what you delight in.”

What do I truly delight in? I delight in beauty. I am not talking about fleeting beauty – I am talking about His beauty, His splendor around us.

Some of you who visit this Blog for a while know that I enjoy photography – actually I love photography. My favorite subject: nature. I just marvel at the things around me. Mountains, sunsets, oceans (which are a little further away 😀 ) and the occasional cactus – yes, there is even beauty in a cactus.

Have you ever stood at the rim of the Grand Canyon? Breathtaking. Have you ever seen the sun kiss the mountain when it sets? Amazing. Have you ever seen a cactus in bloom? Wondrous. Have you ever watched the ocean hit the sand? Soothing. Ever ‘hunted’ a butterfly with the camera? Beautiful…

Sometimes we are just too busy to recognize His splendor around us. Yes, I truly delight in the works of His hands – capture them with my camera.

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” ~ Psalm 111: 2 (ESV)

The most beautiful thing I delight in though is His work at the cross. Because of His love for us, He spread out His arms to make a way to spend eternity with Him…

“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!”
~ Psalm 111:7-9 (ESV)

Lord of Heaven and Earth. I praise Your holy name for the splendor You have created for us to enjoy. I love watching Your hands work and showing off Your splendor. Lord, accept my gratitude for the work of Your hands at the cross. Thank you for spreading Your arms wide open to welcome me home. In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, in Jesus’ name I pray ~ Amen.

Please visit my friend Laurel to read her take and the thoughts of other women on this week’s IOW quote.

Blessings on your day and as always…

Sig Tag

Similar Posts

11 Comments

  1. Amen, I believe nature and beauty around us is one of the purest forms of God spendor! I just watch the Discovery channel and I end up praising God for all the details and glory he displays. That is why it say, “everyone will know about me, just look to the earth look at its many wonders.”

    Thank you for a wonderful word today.

  2. I love this verse and will have to put it on one of my photos!

    “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” ~ Psalm 111: 2 (ESV)

    I want to study his works and to study Him daily – thank you for your post today. Always a blessing to drop by here. 🙂

  3. Iris,thanks for this wonderful message, even I, the work of the Lord. I do not come out by accident, it is the Lord’s work. So not only delight in nature, but also delight in me…my life…Thanks

  4. Loved that scripture, Iris! I went away to the mountains last weekend and as I stood overlooking the wondrous mountains, I thought to my self that I never tire of their beauty. I feel so close to my savior while enjoying the works that He has created for us.
    Much love to you!
    Wonderful post!

  5. That’s one of my favorite types of beauty – Gods Wonder, the beauty of our Earth. I love it… and it always puts me in a better mood. =)

    Off to bed, I’ve gotta do better!!

  6. “The most beautiful thing I delight in though is His work at the cross. Because of His love for us, He spread out His arms to make a way to spend eternity with Him…”

    Your whole post was inspiring, but I so loved the way you said this. To think of His spread arms of love for me this morning just really filled me with joy again. Thank you, my friend.

  7. great post my friend, I also love photography but nothing compares to the work of the cross!
    Sorry it’s taken me so long to get here, it’s been a crazy week!
    Blessings

  8. What a neat post, Iris. I, too, love photography. For me, the beach and all its dynamic splendor, from tide to tide, is beautiful beyond description. I also marvel that, with over 70% of the earth’s surface being covered with water, what we see on the surface is just a thumbnail of His majesty. Too cool.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *