DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY June 20, 2024

Preserving What Is Good

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high; I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully 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 wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. … Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139

Throughout history, Christians have contributed to every industry and creative pursuit—from music and philosophy to science and business. And churches and followers of Christ have played an important part in preserving great works of art and cultural artifacts. In fact, many great musical and artistic works were influenced by the artists’ faith in Jesus.

Just as followers of Christ are called to preserve our faith, we have the opportunity to contribute to the culture around us. Critiquing what’s broken has its place, but it’s important that we also participate in enhancing the culture. God made the world and all things in it (Acts 17:24), and one day He will redeem everything. We participate in this work by beautifying our world and drawing attention to anything that points to God’s goodness.

Think About It

Are there any creative works that bring you joy? Take time this week to thank God for them. God knows what makes each of us unique. As you pray this week, ask Him to reveal how you might use your specific gifts and talents to reflect His goodness.

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