He hath made every thing beautiful in His time. Ecc 3:11

We all get some sort of image when the word beautiful is mentioned. We can think of a person’s facial features, physique, or the way one gracefully moves. We could think of describing a sunset, a waterfall, or a sunny day. We could describe a thought, a plan, or an emotional reaction as beautiful. We even have the capacity to be “beautifully” sarcastic. Who hasn’t heard, “Beautiful, just beautiful” to convey an inconvenience or something negative?

From a Biblical perspective, the word “beautiful” suggests God’s perfect timing in action. We get a hint of understanding what that means by watching a great athlete, dancer, or public speaker. Without appropriate timing, greatness in their performance is impossible. We get further understanding when we enjoy an event that is planned, processed, and produced in excellence. This shines a great light on the performance of the Creator in His creation. Take for example the masterful work that is the human being. Psalms 100:3 lays it plain: “Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” How humbling! How beautiful! His plan and timing are perfect. Always.

So what does this have to do with us this coming week? If we never realized there was another “timing” going on, then to wake up to that reality is a good start.

Family and friends, let’s pray for God’s beauty in our lives this week—the kind of beauty that allows His glory to gleam so we can see and act to please Him. May His life, love, light, and timing shine upon our attitudes and activities. If we confidently receive and expect that as our personal hope, what could be more beautiful than that?

Gen 1:1; Ps 119:14; Prov 13:12;Rom 10:15; Gen 50:20