Rev. Don Campbell

Ecclesiastes 3:11, Philippians 4:8

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

“EVERYTHING’S BEAUTIFUL IN ITS OWN WAY”

Ray Stevens, who is known for his comedic songs, such as “They Call Him the Streak,” wrote a very serious one, which began with “Jesus loves the little children,” followed by “Everything is beautiful in its own way Like a starry summer night On a snow covered winter’s day And everybody’s beautiful in their own way Under God’s Heaven The world’s gonna find the way.”

Solomon said something similar: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV). We can find all kinds of ugliness in the world, but here’s what Paul tells us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV).

Augustine commented on Ecclesiastes 3:11: “Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” The beauty of the good, whither found in God’s starry heavens or in the face of a little child can warm our hearts. However, there is in every human a stirring deep inside that cannot be satisfied by anything other than a relationship with God through Christ. Millions are trying, but they, like Saul of Tarsus, “kick against the goads.”

Lord, we come before thee now
At thy feet we humbly bow
Oh, do not our suit disdain
Shall we seek thee Lord in vain?
Shall we seek thee Lord in vain?

Grant that all may seek and find
Thee, our God, supremely kind
Heal the sick, the captive free
Let us all rejoice in thee
Let us all rejoice in thee

“Link to YouTube Video – Lord We Come Before Thee”