This year’s Chelsea Flower Show is well underway with a one-off celebration of the bounteous beauty of the autumn season. Replacing springtime blooms it’s pumpkins, fruits and berries that are getting their moment in the spotlight.
The timing of the show magnificently illuminates the season of harvest when we celebrate God’s provision and care for us. It is very hard to ignore the heavily laden hedgerows with richly coloured berries. This generous provision is not overlooked by the birds who feast from the bushes on God’s bounty.
Are we like the birds? With every new day, do we notice the goodness of God? Do we see God’s glory?
King David was so overwhelmed by the way that God endlessly communicates and displays his glory that he penned the following words: ‘The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth and their words to all the world.’ Psalm 19:1ff
Without uttering a word, God the master craftsman displays his handiwork in an ever-changing daily show of beauty. Making himself known, the message is clear for all to see. David continues to elaborate how God wants people to know him in the following ways:
• Reviving the soul;
• Making wise the simple; •
Bringing joy to the heart;
• Giving insight for living • Giving warnings and rewards for those who obey.
David ends his psalm with a prayer: ‘May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.’
Whilst the Chelsea Flower Show is only on for a week, ‘God’s Handiwork Display’ is daily and continuous. As we enjoy the benefits of this Harvest season, may His message to us take root deep in our hearts and be evident in all we say and do.
Joy Rushton, Being Witnesses Manager