July is an interesting month. At the beginning, the summer is still fresh and new, full of promises of sun and fun. At the end, August is upon us, with vacations dwindling and a new school year approaching.

This July, for me, was particularly hard. I knew it would be.

I wanted to come to God with open hands, asking him to guide me and teach me, and carry me. I came to him expectantly.

He knew what I needed. He delivered.

God spoke to me – through holy whispers of His creation.

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You gave me restoration in a haven of still waters; you gave me strength, as I marveled at the flight of an eagle above.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:29-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You showed me your tenderness in a refuge of green pastures; you gave me rest as I reflected on my Shepherd.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You gave me hope amidst hurt; reminding me of your promises through rain and storms.

“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:10-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What if we took our direction less from the man-made devices tethered to our hands and more from the one who created man and woman and the world around us?

No matter what we are walking through, we can look to the seas and the skies for beauty.

What is his creation trying to whisper to our souls?